By KRWG News
Texas – Republican activists, bucking Texas Gov. Rick Perry, are proposing a crackdown on illegal immigration similar to a law passed earlier this year in Arizona.
A proposed Republican Party platform calls for the Legislature to make it a crime for any illegal alien to "intentionally or knowingly" be in the state of Texas. It will be debated Saturday at the GOP state convention.
The proposal would make illegal entry a Class A Misdemeanor and require local police to verify U.S. residency when making arrests.
Perry has criticized the Arizona approach, saying it would unduly burden police. Republicans will also select a chairman for the next two years before wrapping up their two-day convention.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.