What do you think of this?? I like it!?
Question: Print Article Email Article Most Popular Change Type Size Penalties for hiring illegal migrants advance
Matthew Benson
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 21, 2007 12:00 AM
State lawmakers put Arizona businesses on notice Wednesday: Employ undocumented workers, lose your business license.
The Legislature approved a set of stiff new penalties for businesses that deal in illegal labor, sending House Bill 2779 to Gov. Janet Napolitano and capping a multiyear push for the legislation. The measure easily cleared the House and Senate, coming in the final hours of a 164-day legislative session.
Approval of employer sanctions came amid a flurry of eleventh-hour action before lawmakers adjourned at 10:58 p.m.
Lawmakers OK'd measures toughening air-pollution regulations and increasing penalties for gang-related crime. The Legislature also cracked down on a weapon of choice among cities warring over retail dollars, punishing the use of municipal tax rebates in Maricopa and Pinal counties. An attempt to make underage abortions more difficult without parental consent failed.
Support for the penalties on employers was bipartisan, reflecting a desire to do something - anything - about an illegal-immigration issue that opinion polls have consistently ranked as the most important among Arizonans.
Senate Majority Leader Thayer Verschoor, R-Gilbert, called the measure a "must," and House Speaker Jim Weiers, R-Phoenix, said the bill's passage should receive national attention.
"Finally, we are doing an approach that is going to make a difference," remarked Sen. Ken Cheuvront, D-Phoenix.
In reaching Napolitano's desk, the bill passed over the objections of business groups and lawmakers who felt it went too far. It was fueled by a feeling that the state can no longer wait for the federal government to act on illegal immigration.
"Every day we don't act on this, we are hurting Arizona," warned Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, who sponsored the bill.
Perhaps looming largest was the specter of a 2008 ballot initiative.
An initiative would promise even harsher penalties that include the possibility of a revoked business license on a first offense - and without the option for the Legislature to easily amend the measure in future years, if needed.
Numerous lawmakers pointed to the potential ballot measure Wednesday in saying they felt bullied to approve a legislative fix. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Phoenix, likened it to "legislating at gunpoint" and noted that HB 2779 "has the potential to put many hardworking Arizonans out of business."
On a first offense, businesses found guilty of "knowingly" hiring undocumented workers would face a suspension of their license for up to 10 days. The suspension would be at least that long for those found to have "intentionally" hired the workers. A second offense would mean the death penalty for a business: the loss of its business license.
In noting one possible unintended consequence, an opponent of the measure said it could drive undocumented workers away from traditional employment and onto street corners in search of temporary work.
"This will most impact (businesses) that hire people permanently, because when you hire somebody for one day, you don't have to pay attention to (legal status)," said Salvador Reza, who helps operate the Macehualli Work Center in north Phoenix. "One of the consequences could be workers going to the streets."
The state and Phoenix chambers of commerce had argued against the bill, calling its penalties too severe and urging patience with a Congress that is still negotiating immigration reform. But it was clear Wednesday that the Legislature's patience had run out.
Answer:
Now if only the other 49 states would follow suit.
KICK ***!!! I'm doing the happy dance!
And this going on in McCain's state. McCain's pushing the Immigration Bill (in fact, his name is on it).
McCain won't be elected President---odds are, he won't be re=elected senator from Arizonia
I wonder if they are looking for some real American, veteran inspectors to document, report, and help out with the criminal indictments of such businesses, as well as the roundup and deportation of the vermin involved...sounds like some good job prospects down in ol' Arizona. Good to see some great news.
i don;t think it's a good idea because these immigrants won't have money to even leave once they lose their jobs, and thier children will probably die of hunger. good job, you got what you wanted, dead human beings.
I just wish that would be implemented in all of the US states & territories!
Smells to me like Regannomics again. I wonder who burped that up?
Big Business eat little business make big mess in desert. News at 11
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