Lawmaker plans AZ-like immigration bill

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - A Michigan lawmaker plans to introduce legislation modeled after Arizona's new immigration law that's triggered protests and a heated national debate.

Republican State Rep. Kim Meltzer of Clinton Township says her bill would give police the authority to arrest illegal aliens who are stopped and questioned on another offense.

Meltzer says she's proposing tightening immigration laws because "we have borders in place for a reason." She says local law enforcement officers' hands should not be tied.

The Arizona law passed last month directs police to stop suspected illegal aliens and ask them for documentation proving their lawful residency.

It's touched off a heated debate and protests across the nation from opponents who say it encourages racial profiling. Many states are now looking at revising their laws.