Login or register
Arizona lawmakers approve changes
| The Associated Press
Posted: Monday, April 28, 2008
-
Story Tools
Font Size:
Arizona lawmakers approve changes Facebook
Get FREE Daily Headlines by email!

advertisement
PHOENIX — The Arizona Legislature approved a proposal Monday aimed at correcting perceived flaws in a state law that prohibits employers from knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.

The proposed changes sprang from complaints by business groups that the law was unfair to employers whose operating licenses could be suspended or revoked for violations.

Business groups succeeded in getting the bill to narrow the employees to whom the law applies and to create protections for employers who make good-faith efforts to follow the rules. Even so, they don't think the state should have its own employer sanctions because they said cracking down on illegal hirings is the responsibility of the federal government.

The original law, which took effect in January, was intended to lessen the economic incentive for foreign workers to sneak into Arizona, the busiest illegal entry point along the nation's southern border. An estimated one in 10 workers in Arizona is an illegal immigrant.

The law requires the suspension or revocation of the business licenses of employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. Employers also were required to check the employment eligibility of their workers through a federal database.

The revisions proposal, which won final passage in a 22-4 vote by the Senate, is headed to Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano, who has declined to say whether she would sign it into law.



You must login to make comments.
Click on the link below to register for a free account. This is a new system and previous accounts are not transferred to this system. You'll be asked for your name and e-mail address. A confirmation e-mail with a password will be sent to you at the address you provide. Once you've logged into the system, you'll be able to view and contribute comments. Please be respectful to your fellow users and post under your own name. Send questions to webeditor@sfnewmexican.com

Email:
Password:
Remember me
Register here for a free username and password

Comments (0)
What do you think? Add your two cents to the conversation by contributing your view on the news. Please, be respectful to the community and your fellow users and use your real name when posting. Inappropriate postings will be removed and your privileges to comment further might be suspended. If you'd prefer to submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in The New Mexican's print edition, visit our submissions page.


(not you? logout)



advertisement
  • Truett Collins commented on
  • Truett Collins commented on
  • Truett Collins commented on
  • peter trujillo commented on
  • Paula Lozar commented on
  • Ambro A commented on
  • Just Watching commented on
  • C S commented on