An immigration reform bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives could end a controversial immigration enforcement program used in some Virginia cities.
The program, called 287 (g), deputizes local police officers, allowing them to enforce some federal immigration laws. Prince William and Loudoun counties, Manassas City, Manassas Park City, and Herndon use the policy. In some jurisdictions, officers can check a person’s citizenship status during routine traffic stops if they suspect the person is illegal. Critics say the policy can lead to racial profiling.
Immigration experts say the enforcement policy is likely to survive because the reform bill probably won’t get the support it needs from Republicans when the companion bill gets to the Senate.
