Resolution hails Ariz. on immigration law

NASHVILLE, May 24 (UPI) -- Tennessee lawmakers may honor Arizona's leaders for enacting a controversial immigration law that has drawn criticism from many quarters.

The Tennessee House of Representatives is considering a resolution that would recognize Arizona's leaders for having "the initiative and the courage ... to protect their citizens and the borders of our great nation," The (Nashville) Tennessean reported Monday.

The resolution was introduced this month in response to criticism Arizona has received since Gov. Jan Brewer signed the measure that, among other things, requires law enforcement personnel to ask for documentation of people suspected of being illegal immigrants.

The Americans for Legal Immigration, a group that lobbied for passage of the Arizona law, said 17 states are considering similar laws, The Tennessean reported. Tennessee isn't one of the 17.

The law also has led to boycott calls, resolutions of condemnation and threats of legal action on claims it threatens constitutional protections against police harassment and could lead to racial profiling.

Republican state Rep. Joe Carr, sponsor of the Tennessee resolution, said critics don't understand the bill and are ignoring language that bars racial profiling.

"I've read the Arizona law two or three times," Carr said. "If (U.S. Attorney General) Eric Holder and (Homeland Security Secretary) Janet Napolitano will read the bill, they will find that they're factually in error."