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Dozens of immigration protestors were ordered out of the state Capitol today after they broke into song when legislation they dislike cleared the state Senate. Even with the passage of a watered-down version in the Senate, as Mike Vasilinda tells us, the legislation’s future is very uncertain in the House.

With little explanation,

“Requires statewide career centers to use e-verify,” Sen. J.D. Alexander (R-Lakeland) said.

and absolutely no debate, controversial immigration legislation cleared the Senate.

Protestors broke into song.

When they would not be quiet, the Sergeant at Arms ordered them removed from the building.

“Take them out of the building. We’ve asked them not to,” Sergeant at Arms Donald Severance said.

As uniformed police escorted protestors onto elevators, Daniel Barajas told us getting kicked out of the capitol was a small price to pay for what lies ahead.

“They’re kicking the people out of the state. What’s worse than that?” Barajas said. “You can kick us out of the Capitol, it doesn’t matter. But you’re going to kick everybody out of the state?”

Outside the protestors consoled each other.

The removal raised thorny legal issues. Organizer Maria Rodriguez says protestors wanted to go back inside to try and keep the legislation from coming up in the state house.

“Whether it be through these walls or inside, we want to make sure that they know that this is a costly, non-solution,” Rodriguez said.

Because the immigration protestors are not an identifiable group and they change everyday, they will be allowed back inside the Capitol, but they will not be allowed anywhere near the state Senate chambers.

While immigrant coalition members lobby the House, time and procedure are on their side. The legislature goes home Friday night.

The legislation is considered “Arizona-light” but it would still require someone stopped for a traffic offense to prove they were an American citizen or in the country legally.