Fla. lawmaker wants 'Arizona-style' law

MIAMI, May 28 (UPI) -- A top Florida lawmaker says he wants his state to follow Arizona's lead and adopt a law similar to that state's controversial illegal immigration measure.

Rep. William Snyder, R-Stuart, the state House's lead legislator on criminal justice issues, says he favors an Arizona-style crackdown on illegal immigrants, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Friday.

"I would absolutely, 100 percent, unequivocally support an Arizona law," said Snyder, a former police officer and chairman of the state's Criminal and Civil Justice Committee. "The state has its own sovereignty and we have a right to participate in federal efforts to stop illegal immigration. I'm not at all opposed to introducing that bill -- it's something I'm considering."

Florida has the nation's third-highest undocumented population behind California and Texas, the Sun Sentinel said. The Arizona law orders police to determine someone's status when there is a reasonable suspicion the person is an illegal alien.

The issue has gained ground in Florida, with Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott making it a centerpiece of his campaign.

In a recent television ad, Scott promises to bring the Arizona law to Florida, the Sun Sentinel reported.