Employee sanctions law spurs enrollment declines
Ray Parker and Betty Reid

Mesa and several Phoenix districts had significant enrollment declines after the holiday break in January, which officials blame on several factors, including a new state law that punishes businesses for hiring undocumented workers.

Overall, more than 1,000 students did not return to classes at Mesa Public Schools from the beginning of the school year in October to mid-year in January.

The state’s new sanctions law took effect Jan. 1. Under the law, employers who knowingly hire illegal workers face the threat of losing their business licenses.

Many undocumented immigrants have reported plans to leave the state because employers, wary of the new laws, are reluctant to hire them.

“It’s not entirely unexpected with this immigration law that came online Jan. 1,â€