New Arizona Law Might Sweep Up Undocumented Immigrants Applying for a Legal Child's Benefits

Alternet.org
December 10, 2009

PHOENIX, Ariz.—Pastors, community activists and immigrant rights groups are trying to mitigate fears caused by a new Arizona law that forces state employees to now report undocumented immigrants asking for federal and state benefits.

Last Wednesday, the Arizona Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit asking for a stay on the law’s implementation filed by the Arizona League of Cities and Towns.

The suit questioned the way the law was created. In the next two weeks, the association will decide whether or not to file the challenge again in a lower court.

But another court challenge might be in the works.

“MALDEF (the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund) and I are ready to file a lawsuit in the event there’s a denial of benefits that shouldn’t have been denied, or a prosecution of an employee who shouldn’t have been prosecuted,â€