12/2/2007 1:23:00 PM
Expect big changes come January

Rich Thurlow
News Editor

The politicking and lawyering regarding Arizona's employer sanctions law appears to be peaking as the state awaits the federal court ruling on whether or not the statute is legal.

The law, signed by Gov. Janet Napolitano at the end of the latest session of the Legislature, punishes businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants. Repeated violations could result in the business losing its license to operate.

There have already been reports of illegals losing their jobs even though the law doesn't take effect until Jan. 1. Companies are starting to take a look at some of the workers on the books, suddenly curious about the 000-00-0000 Social Security numbers and the fact that 20 or so employees have it.

Then there is the Associated Press story from Nov. 21 regarding Napolitano's thoughts that the law would only apply to illegals hired on Jan. 1 and later. Does anyone who followed the stories about the law as it was being pushed through the Legislature recall anything at all about that? Was it the Legislature's intent to create an amnesty for illegals, to in fact encourage them to get to Arizona ASAP and on the payroll before Jan. 1?

More than a few people were surprised when Napolitano actually signed the bill into law. In fact, she had no choice since Democrat talking points regarding illegals had always included punishing businesses that hired them.

It would be far-fetched, though, to think we might read about radio spots on Mexico stations that feature our governor saying something like this:

"Hola. This is Janet Napolitano, and I'm here to tell you about employment opportunities in Arizona. We have a bustling economy and a long list of jobs that Americans won't do in the construction, manufacturing, food processing and warehouse industries. You can have one of those jobs, but you must act fast because a new law goes into effect on Jan. 1 that will keep you from being hired. I'm looking forward to being your governor and to someday have you be a part of another growing part of Arizona - the Democratic Party."

That won't happen.

But what is happening, at least unofficially, is that some Arizona school districts are looking at their enrollment figures and trying to guess how many students won't be in class after the Christmas holidays.

That mass exodus back to Mexico - or to other states that are still turning a blind eye to the issue of illegal immigration - won't happen if a coalition that includes the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Immigration Law Center and others prevail in federal court. The ruling is expected sometime this month, and no one should be surprised if the court again turns its back on the will of the people.

The ACLU and others contend the database of authorized workers is flawed and that citizens will lose jobs.

"The United States is supposed to be a country where there is equal opportunity, but this new law says that for jobs in Arizona, Latinos, regardless of their actual citizenship status, need not apply," Kristina Campbell, staff attorney for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, said in a news release.

Some might think she's overstating things, particularly if you've moved to Arizona in the past few years and tried to get a driver's license. If you've managed to do that, I think there's a good chance you can prove your citizenship to a potential employer. And some might think Campbell's argument sounds a lot like the hand wringing that goes on when some people discuss how just plain wrong it is to require folks to have proper identification when they show up to vote.

Right now the eyes of Arizona are focused on the federal courts. If the law is upheld, expect changes - big changes - in the state.


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