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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Tony Payton, Jr.
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Payton to introduce bill to limit state and local police from enforcing federal immigration law
Legislation a direct response to Arizona's new law
HARRISBURG, May 7 – In response to the recently enacted Arizona immigration law, state Rep. Tony Payton, D-Phila., is introducing a bill that would strictly define the role Pennsylvania state and local police have in enforcing federal immigration policy.
Under Payton's bill, no Pennsylvania state or local law enforcement agency would have any power or obligation to enforce or investigate an individual’s compliance with federal immigration law.
"Arizona's immigration law was received poorly and for good reason; it invites harassment, discrimination and racism," Payton said. "We need our state and local police officers focused on aiding and protecting citizens, not enforcing a federal immigration law. Furthermore, a law such as the one Arizona enacted would create instability in communities and promote distrust of police officers, who need our support.
"As the issue continues to be in the media and debated by lawmakers, I believe we need to reinforce Pennsylvania's position on immigration enforcement," Payton continued. "My legislation would clearly define that Pennsylvania will not to step backwards in promoting equality and civil rights."
Additionally, the bill would not prevent local authorities from sharing with the federal Immigration and Naturalization Service any relevant immigration information they obtain from an arrest or investigation they do with regards to non-immigration matters. It would also specify that in the event state and/or local law enforcement entities obtain a legal role in investigating immigration matters – either through federal law or otherwise – that neither race nor ethnicity can be used as a relevant factor in the investigation of immigration matters.
Payton is collaborating with state Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery/Delaware, to sponsor corresponding bills in the House and Senate.