SC Senate briefly takes up illegal immigration
Posted: 03.03.2011 at 4:30 PM

(AP) -- COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The South Carolina Senate briefly debated an anti-illegal immigration bill that would direct officers to call federal authorities if they think a suspect is in the country illegally.

The Senate adjourned Thursday without taking any significant votes.

Under the measure, officers must try to check the immigration status of a person they think is in the country illegally. The attempt would follow a stop or arrest for something else.

Legislators say there's a huge difference between this measure and the Arizona law. South Carolina's proposal doesn't allow someone to be held on suspicion of being illegal. Supporters say they crafted a bill that doesn't conflict with federal law.

Republican Sen. Jake Knotts of West Columbia called it feel-good legislation.

(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)