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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.