Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli ruled this week that police could ask people about their immigration status during routine stops, raising speculation that the state could become the next immigration debate hotspot. Cuccinelli describes Virginia's policy as discretionary, unlike the controversial law recently enacted in Arizona, and Republican state delegate Robert Marshall says it was a mistake for Arizona to require officers to ask about immigration status. "Unlike Arizona, you wouldn't say every time you stop somebody, do this," Marshall said. "I think that was one of the reasons the Arizona law was [blocked]." However, the extent to which Cuccinelli's ruling will impact state law enforcement is uncertain.
What do you think? Is Virginia the next immigration debate hotspot? Should other states follow suit? Take our poll and post your thoughts below.
Previously: Should a Mosque Be Built Near Ground Zero?
- Check out a roundup of editorial cartoons on immigration.
- Follow the money in Congress.
- Read more coverage of the political stories of the year.




Reader Comments