RICHMOND — Virginia joined the national debate over immigration Monday when Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II issued a legal opinion that authorizes law enforcement to check the immigration status of anyone stopped by police officers for any reason.
Previously, law enforcement officers in Virginia were required to investigate the legal status only of those who were arrested and jailed.
Cuccinelli’s opinion is less stringent than the portion of an Arizona law that was stopped by a federal court last week. Under that law, Arizona authorities were required to question people who they have a “reasonable suspicion” are illegal immigrants.
Full Story: Virginia legal opinion supports checks of immigration status
ARIZONA SHERIFF ON IMMIGRATION LAW