Sponsor of Ariz. immigration law endorses Ga. bill

ATLANTA - The sponsor of a tough immigration crackdown law enacted last year in Arizona has endorsed a similar bill making its way through the Georgia Legislature.

Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce, a Republican, on Tuesday released a statement to ``strongly express'' his support of legislation proposed by Georgia state Rep. Matt Ramsey, also a Republican.

Pearce calls Ramsey's bill ``one of the most well-written, well thought-out pieces of badly needed state enforcement legislation in the nation.'' He says it would reduce the illegal immigrant population in Georgia, protect jobs for citizens and legal immigrants and lower crime rates.

Opponents of the bill say it would harm Georgia's economy and lead to racial profiling.

Ramsey's bill has passed the House but has not yet been scheduled for a Senate committee hearing.