Brewer signs immigration bill into law
Phoenix Business Journal - by Mike Sunnucks
Friday, April 23, 2010, 1:33pm MST

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has signed into law Senate Bill 1070, a contentious immigration measure that gives police sweeping powers to question and arrest illegal immigrants.

Brewer made the announcement Friday at a press conference in Phoenix.

The law allows police to arrest illegal immigrants for trespassing in Arizona; requires immigrants to carry work and travel papers; and makes it a crime to transport illegal immigrants, including day laborers.

Brewer faced political pressure from both sides on this issue. The governor is running for re-election.

Public opinion polls show the majority of Arizona voters back the measure, with strong support from conservatives including Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who also is mulling a gubernatorial run.

Critics include those in the tourism industry, who are concerned that the law underscores a negative image of Arizona and could cost the state conventions and other major events. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and others say the measure is anti-Latino and will lead to unfair targeting of those with brown skin.

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