San Bernardino County Assemblyman Promotes Immigration Bill

SACRAMENTO (AP) — A California lawmaker and tea party member has introduced an anti-illegal immigration bill loosely modeled on the one that drew attention to Arizona last year.

Republican state Assemblyman Tim Donnelly of San Bernardino County says his bill would go after so-called "sanctuary cities" and those who hire illegal immigrants.

It does not include language similar to the most high-profile provision of the Arizona law, which directs law enforcement officers to check the citizenship status of anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally. Critics said that provision encourages racial profiling.

The legislation, AB26, also increases punishments against sex and drug traffickers and other smugglers. It calls for penalties to discourage hiring illegal day laborers and requires citizenship verification for anyone applying for public benefits.

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