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Arizona lawmaker opposes possible immigrant compromise
The Business Journal of Phoenix - 2:42 PM MST Wednesdayby Mike SunnucksThe Business Journal
A key Arizona lawmaker in the debate over illegal immigration and border security discounted a possible compromise that would tackle security issues first and then implement or trigger a guest worker program.

There were reports Wednesday -- including in The New York Times -- that President Bush may push for such a compromise.

But Congressman J.D. Hayworth said he prefers a stand-alone security and enforcement bill.

"The devil is in the details," he said. "If the president is proposing that we put provisions in the bill that will automatically trigger a guest worker plan down the road, that is no compromise at all. It is a non-starter.

"We need to do a clean enforcement bill. Once the government has shown that it will enforce the law, then we come back and consider the separate issue of workers," said the conservative Republican who represents Tempe and Scottsdale.

Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl and other conservatives also favor a security-first approach.

Andy Chasin, a spokesman for Kyl's reelection campaign, said the Republican favors a comprehensive approach to immigration but wants the first focus to be on security and enforcement.

"Sen. Kyl has consistently emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform, which must start with enforcement of our borders and enforcing the laws, including at the workplace. He will continue to work with the president and leaders of the House and Senate to ensure that the border is secure and Arizona receives the resources it needs," said Chasin.

A measure in the U.S. House takes such a security-first focus creating gridlock, which could block approval of a compromise border and immigration bill this year.

Meanwhile business groups on Wednesday renewed support for a guest worker program. The U.S Chamber of Commerce, National Restaurant Association, American Meat Institute and other business allies on immigration called for a comprehensive approach to the hot-button issue.

The Service Employees International Union and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also support a guest worker program and some legal pathways for the 12 million illegal immigrants already in the U.S., which would be coupled with beefed-up border security.That approach is part of Senate immigration plan favored by Arizona Sen. John McCain, East Valley Congressman Jeff Flake, Gov. Janet Napolitano as well as many moderate Republicans and Democrats.

Arizona is a top entry point for illegal immigrants, drug cartels and other smugglers from Mexico. A number of U.S. industries including agriculture, meat-packing, construction, services and restaurants are heavily reliant upon immigrant and migrant labor.

Congressional committees are holding field hearings on the immigration issue this week at locations outside of Washington, D.C., including in San Diego and Philadelphia.