Michigan immigration proposal drawing protest

DETROIT. (AP) -- A proposal to allow Michigan police to try to determine the immigration status of people who are stopped on a violation is sparking protest. The legislation introduced last week was the subject of a protest Saturday at a Detroit church. Opponents say it's modeled after a much-debated Arizona immigration law. The Michigan proposal deals with cases where police have stopped or arrested someone for a violation who could "reasonably be suspected" of being illegally in the U.S. Providing a valid driver's license or other state-issued identification card would be sufficient proof of legal status. The bill's supporters say provisions guard against racial profiling. The bill introduced by Republican Rep. Dave Agema of Grandville also calls for verifying the immigration status of adults before they can receive welfare benefits. Published: Tue, Mar 1, 2011