Thread: GOP, business are at odds on migrant reform

http://www.mohavedailynews.com/articles ... state1.txt

GOP, business are at odds on migrant reform
Sunday, March 11, 2007 10:55 PM PDT

PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona business leaders are at odds with Republican Party leadership over immigration issues, particularly leaders who aim to crack down on employers who hire undocumented workers.

Last week, 32 chambers of commerce sent a letter to state lawmakers and Gov. Janet Napolitano imploring them to hold off on state actions and work for ‘‘comprehensive immigration reform'' in Congress this year.

This puts the business sector, a key component of the Republican Party, in opposition to the party's leadership in the state Legislature, which has made immigration reform a top goal this year.

It also highlights the divide between the business community and the statewide Republican Party, which in January approved a resolution backing penalties for employers who hire illegal workers.

In their letter, the business leaders say that an Arizona-only immigration crackdown would hurt the state's competitiveness and make it less attractive for prospective employers.

Business leaders also point out that there is no surefire way to verify the legal status of would-be workers.

Legislative and party leaders say they can't wait for Congress to act.

‘‘We've been waiting for 20 years,'' said Randy Pullen, chairman of the state GOP, referring to the last comprehensive federal action on immigration. ‘‘We can't wait any longer.''

In the Legislature, Republican leaders are moving ahead with their immigration agenda. Last week, House members approved several bills that aim to fight illegal immigration. A much-debated bill on employer sanctions is awaiting further action that could come as early as this week.

Although the business community may want to wait for Congress' plan, Arizonans don't, State House Majority Leader Tom Boone said. Boone pointed to the lopsided success of three ballot measures last fall that ratcheted up the pressure on illegal immigrants.

Among those sending the letter were the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance and the Southern Arizona Chamber of Commerce Alliance.

‘‘Our ability to bring new companies and jobs into this state will be compromised if the Legislature implements onerous and discriminatory regulations that create a negative perception of Arizona as a place to operate a business,'' the chamber officials wrote.

Senate Majority Leader Thayer Verschoor, R-Gilbert, said he is sympathetic to these concerns, even if he's not convinced that they're valid. Verschoor said legislative leaders are listening to business leaders but not to the point that action will be delayed.

Pullen said he doesn't anticipate the divide over immigration policy will deepen into a rift between business and the GOP.

‘‘I talk to business all the time,'' Pullen said.

Last week, 32 chambers of commerce sent a letter to state lawmakers and Gov. Janet Napolitano imploring them to hold off on state actions and work for ‘‘comprehensive immigration reform'' in Congress this year.

There is no need to REFORM anything! The laws are there---formed---for everyone to see! They were formed with thought and purpose. The laws need to be ENFORCED!

Business leaders also point out that there is no surefire way to verify the legal status of would-be workers.

If the worker is ILLEGAL. and does not provide proper documentation, the employer (Business Leader) will be JAILED! That IS A SUREFIRE WAY TO VERIFY STATUS!

‘Our ability to bring new companies and jobs into this state will be compromised if the Legislature implements onerous and discriminatory regulations that create a negative perception of Arizona as a place to operate a business

Why worry about that? With John McCain at the helm of the USS Arizona, the Pearl Harbor Memorial should be case in point!

A rift between business and the GOP? That's an intriguing notion.

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Originally Posted by BetsyRoss

A rift between business and the GOP? That's an intriguing notion.

another oxymoron

who the heck do they really think that they're kidding?

CHAMBER OF HORRORS is sitting in the GOP's hip pocket.

Republican Employer Sanctions Plan Excessive?
March 12th, 2007 @ 11:03am by Doug Ramsey/KTAR

Democrats charge a House plan for employer sanctions will potentially bankrupt small businesses.

Phoenix lawmaker Mark Desimone owns a bar and restaurant and said penalties in the GOP plan for hiring illegal aliens are excessive.

"Republican proposal that would fine businesses $150,000 dollars would put almost any small business into bankruptcy. It might even bankrupt some medium size businesses," he said.

House Democrats said any plan needs a workable process for verifying immigration status, understandable rules and due process for employers to appeal any penalties.

A finalized Republican proposal is expected later this week.

http://news.ktar.com/?nid=6&sid=414399

"Republican proposal that would fine businesses $150,000 dollars would put almost any small business into bankruptcy. It might even bankrupt some medium size businesses," he said.

Well, isn't it interesting that some business owners are starting to grasp the concept.......

But like I have said in earlier posts---why stop there? The assets of criminal enterprises are regularly confiscated! A fine is a good start, but, better yet, isn't trafficking and using illegals part of a larger violation? Perhaps RICO statutes need to be addressed?

Once these "business owners" own nothing, they can get in line with the rest of unemployed Americans (after they finish their jail terms).