US states set to thwart immigration reforms

Even as the US Senate gears for a critical vote on the much-debated immigration Bill later this week, lawmakers are concerned that a raft of legislations at the state level, with many recommending strict measures against illegal immigrants, might torpedo reform efforts.

At least 1,100 immigration Bills were submitted by lawmakers by May end in the various states, more than double the last year's record total, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

It is largely out of a frustration over Congress' inability to deal with illegal immigration that several states are either considering or enacting a record number of 'strongly worded proposals' targeting illegal immigrants, according to The Washington Post.

The final tally for the Bills is expected to rise as the issue continues to dominate debate in statehouses still in session, it said on Monday.

The ways in which state legislatures and law makers have come to terms with illegal immigration are varied and these include passing laws that limit illegal immigrants' ability to obtain jobs, find housing, get driver's licenses and receive many government services.

"They also empower state law enforcement agencies to inquire into an immigrant's legal status and hold for deportation those deemed to be here illegally. The idea is to make life so difficult for illegal immigrants that they will leave the state -- if not the country," The Post has said.

"Illegal immigrants will not come to Oklahoma if there are no jobs waiting for them," said state lawmaker Randy Terrill (Republican), who wrote his state's law, one of the most sweeping in the country.