Colorado version of AZ immigration law could be coming

Posted: Jul 28, 2010 10:14 PM by Andy Koen
Updated: Jul 29, 2010 4:15 AM

Wednesday's ruling by a federal judge in Arizona to block the most aggressive parts of the state's new immigration law may actually prompt efforts to enact similar legislation in Colorado.

A Republican State Senator from Colorado Springs and a professor of Chicano Studies from Colorado State University-Pueblo tell News First 5 that public outcry from the court's action is likely to lead to a call for stronger immigration laws.

"I think it's going to ramp up the frustration of people where the courts are going to try to put a dampening effect on these types of bills," said Sen. Dave Schultheis who represents Colorado's 9th Senate District.

Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D. a professor of history and Chicano Studies at Colorado State University - Pueblo says she already sees the immigration taking a prominent role in local elections.

"I think it's going to be a hotly contested issue in midterm elections," Montoya said.

She notes that in the race to fill the seat in Colorado's 3rd Senate District being vacated by Abel Tapia, Republican candidate Vera Ortegon has expressed interest in passing similar legislation in Colorado.

Montoya also says Democratic candidate Angela Giron would be in opposition to such a measure.

On Wednesday US District Court Judge Susan Bolton issued a temporary injunction on the three main sticking points of the Arizona law: requiring officers to check for proof of citizenship, requiring immigrants to carry their proof of citizenship at all times, and rules prohibiting illegal immigrants from soliciting employment in public areas.

Bolton's ruling came as the result of a legal battle between the state and the US Justice Department.

Governor Jan Brewer called the ruling a minor setback. The state is expected to appeal the ruling.