Arizona House panel endorses guest-worker program proposals




Associated Press - April 7, 2008 3:44 PM ET

PHOENIX (AP) - A committee of the Arizona Legislature approved proposals Monday that would attempt to create a guest-worker program that's run by the state.

America's guest-worker programs are now run by the federal government. But supporters of a state-run program said some businesses are unable to meet their labor needs with local workers and can't wait for Congress to overhaul the country's immigration policies.

Some opponents said the guest-worker proposals would undercut the wages of American workers and benefit employers intent on getting cheap labor.

Under the proposals, employers seeking foreign workers would have to describe their shortage and show their efforts to find local employees.

Arizona would need the approval of the federal government for the program.

The proposals, approved by the state House's commerce committee, were expected to be considered by the full House this week.


On the Net:

Arizona Legislature: http://www.azleg.gov

http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=8130269