An Arizona-like Immigration Law for PA?

Following Arizona’s recent enactment of a law intended to enforce federal illegal immigration laws, Pennsylvania State Representative Daryl Metcalfe has introduced similar legislation. The law would force employers to use e-Verify to check immigration status on new employees and would allow police to detain those who cannot provide proof of legal status (e.g. a photo ID, like a driver’s license) if they are stopped for a primary offense (like speeding).

Here is some thoughtful discussion of the Arizona law:

• Heather MacDonald of the Manhattan Institute offers praises Arizona, arguing that the new law may prove effective, and criticism of it for racial profiling is overblown.
• Colin Hanna takes issue with some of the rhetoric about the Arizona law, specifically that police will be able to arrest anyone with brown skin (rather than only those committing a primary offense).
• Cato’s Dan Griswold argues for immigration reform to allow more workers to enter legally.

• In a 2009 paper, the Heritage Foundation outlines recommendations for state and local governments to address the illegal immigration issue, as well as calling for the federal government to ease legal immigration.