Immigration enforcement through fingerprint program draws fire immigrant groups, some states

Immigrant groups criticize fingerprint initiative

DENVER — The federal government is rapidly expanding a program that identifies and deports illegal immigrants by checking their fingerprints upon arrest.

Immigrant advocates around the country are criticizing the program, saying it’s an excessive response to immigration that will have more impact than the controversial Arizona law.

Under the program, the fingerprints of everyone who is booked into jail for any crime are run against federal records to determine whether they’re in the country illegally. So far 26 states have the program.

Supporters say the program streamlines how illegal immigrants are identified.

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