US Immigration Service accused of racism

Civil rights groups in the United States have accused the immigration authorities of discrimination and racism.

A coalition of groups defending the right of immigrants the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights says people of Hispanic, Caribbean, African and Asian origin are more often detained, deported and denied legal status by the US government.

A spokesman for the immigration service denied that its officers targeted people because of their race. The report also says that immigrants are targets for an increasing number of hate crimes and harassment.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service