The League of Iowa Human & Civil Rights Agencies

Branstad: Immigrants should have to prove status

CLARINDA, Iowa (AP) -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Terry Branstad says people in Iowa stopped on traffic violations should have to prove their citizenship status.

Branstad made the assertion during a visit Wednesday to Clarinda. He said if a person is pulled over for a traffic or criminal violation and they cannot show they are legally in the United State, they ought be detained and turned over to the federal government for deportation.

However, Branstad added he didn't want Iowa taxpayers to be left paying the bill for the process.

Immigration and deportation has traditionally been left to the federal government.

Branstad expressed frustration about the state's limited ability to enforce immigration law. He says if elected governor, he will join other states in pushing the federal government to take action.