Justin Bieber dragged into Arizona's immigration row

Teenage lovers Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez found themselves at the centre of discussions surrounding Arizona's tough immigration law on Wednesday (27Jun12) after a congressman used the couple to highlight flaws in the ruling.

The controversial legislation, which was passed in 2010, gives Arizona police power to detain anyone suspected of being an illegal immigrant.

Officials discussed the issues surrounding the ruling during a debate at the House of Representatives on Wednesday, and Congressman Luis Gutierrez used Bieber and his girlfriend as an example of how complicated the law is.

Showing a picture of Gomez, who was born in Texas but is of Mexican ancestry, next to her Canadian boyfriend, he declared, "These young people have overcome their very different national origins and become, apparently, a happy couple. I'm sure Justin helped Gomez learn all about American customs and feel more at home in her adopted country.

"Oh wait a minute, I'm sorry, because I'm not a trained Arizona official - I somehow got that backwards. Actually, Miss Gomez of Texas has helped Mr Bieber of Canada learn about his adopted country. Justin, when you perform in Phoenix, remember to bring your papers."

Lady Gaga, Jessica Alba, Kanye West and Eva Longoria are among the other stars who have condemned the new law.