In a decision that could lay the groundwork for an Arizona-style immigration policy, Virginia's attorney general said state law enforcement officers are allowed to check the immigration status of anyone "stopped or arrested."

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli issued the legal opinion Friday extending that authority to Virginia police in response to an inquiry over whether his state could mirror the policies passed into law in Arizona.

"It is my opinion that Virginia law enforcement officers, including conservation officers may, like Arizona police officers, inquire into the immigration status of persons stopped or arrested," he wrote.

The decision comes after a federal judge blocked Arizona from implementing its provision that would require law enforcement to check the immigration status of anyone they stop and suspect of being an illegal immigrant.

Cuccinelli's ruling could justify that kind of policy in Virginia. However, Cuccinelli reiterated in the opinion a prior finding that while state officers have the authority to arrest suspects on criminal immigration violations, they are advised against arresting over civil immigration violations. Overstaying a visa would fall under the latter category.

The state's top attorney wrote the opinion in response to a question from state Del. Bob Marshall, who represents Prince William County.

Marshall's county implemented a law that requires police to check the immigration status of everyone they arrest -- but not everyone they come in legal contact with.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/02/virginia-attorney-general-rules-police-check-immigration-status/

We are going to start to see just about every state make these laws.

whats next,, checking tax papers and income papers to arrest those who filed false documentation?

its really not a policemans job, but if you want to see police efficiency go down even FURTHER,,,,,this bill is the way,,

As usual, both major sides of the debate are over-exaggerating. Hopefully, future generations will live to see the folly of it.

So, it's not a policeman's job to arrest someone who is breaking the law? You realize that it's a crime to be in this country illegally right? A Felony at that. So the cop is definately doing his job.

The Constitution guarantees States have the right to protect it's citizens.

If Hussein or Napolitano won't do it, the States have an obligation to.

Put fire under the Illegals assses and they will surely head to Ca.

If they did that half of Hussein's admin would be jailed along with half of the democratic party with Rangel and Kerry leading the way.

This was always in effect for all states

Your right, the Arizona Law has been in affect for years on the Federal Level.

Not even close to the Arizona crap.

All local police were suppose to be verifying who they had in custody all along and if they couldn't verify they were suppose to notify the INS about the people.

It wasn't happening but that is what they are suppose to be doing.

try ...half of all the politicians we have had since I was born ...lol

Can we say Geitner and Daschle?