Thread: Arizona to Put Immigration Issues to Vote

http://nctimes.com/articles/2006/06/..._276_22_06.txt


Arizona Legislature puts immigration issues before state voters

By: JACQUES BILLEAUD - Associated Press

PHOENIX -- Arizona voters will decide in November whether to expand the list of government benefits denied to illegal immigrants and make English the state's official language.

As one of the final actions in a 164-day session that concluded early Thursday, the Arizona Legislature approved two ballot measures that were a small part of an ambitious Republican agenda intended to lessen Arizona's role as a busy illegal entry point.

After Gov. Janet Napolitano rejected a wide-ranging immigration bill two weeks ago, lawmakers pushing for tighter border security tried to resurrect elements of the proposal through ballot measures in an attempt to bypass the chance for a veto and let voters decide the issue.


They failed Wednesday night to push through the Legislature ballot measures that would have criminalized the presence of illegal immigrants in Arizona and set state punishments for businesses that hire illicit foreign labor.

They also couldn't muster enough support for a ballot proposal to make communities get rid of policies that prohibit police officers from enforcing federal immigration law.

"These folks who think it's enough to have sent the governor a bill to veto, shame on them," said Republican state Rep. Russell Pearce of Mesa, the Legislature's leading advocate for limiting illegal immigration.

Republican Sen. Jake Flake of Snowflake said Arizona shouldn't try to crack down on illegal hirings before knowing what sort of immigration overhaul will come from Congress.

"My thought right now is take what we have got and see what the feds come up with. That's good enough for me," Flake said, noting that it's already a federal crime to hire illegal immigrants.

Many Republican lawmakers blame vetoes by the Democratic governor for the Legislature's lack of action on illegal immigration.

Napolitano said the wide-ranging immigration bill would have let employers who violate the law off easy and would have put huge costs on police agencies to enforce a provision to criminalize the presence of illegal immigrants in Arizona.

"It was a crummy bill," Napolitano said.

Voters will be asked in November whether they wish to prohibit illegal immigrants from receiving state-funded child care assistance, attending adult education classes and getting cheaper in-state tuition and financial assistance at the state's public universities and community colleges.

Supporters say such restrictions were needed to discourage illegal immigrants from setting up lives in Arizona. Opponents said border-crossers weren't abusing those government benefits and that it was unfair to punish children whose parents sneaked them into the country.

Supporters of making English the state's official language and requiring that government functions be conducted in English, also on the November ballot, said that proposal was needed to encourage the assimilation of immigrants.

Opponents say the proposal wasn't so much about protecting English as it is an attack on illegal immigrants.

On the Net:

Arizona Legislature: http://www.azleg.gov

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Comments On This Story

Note: Comments reflect the views of readers and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff.
Jorge wrote on June 22, 2006 8:53 PM:"It's too bad that California doesn't have the back bone to put issues like these to the voters. But then Arizonia doesn't have to contend with San Fransicko or Lost Angeles. "

Daren wrote on June 23, 2006 7:49 AM:"California did have this issue: Prop. 187. It was resoundingly approved by the voters, but then struck down by activist judges. Sadly, I'm sure the Arizona measure will also be struck down by activist judges if it passes."

"It was a crummy bill," Napolitano said.

If Governor Mexicano didn't like the bill, it was probably a good one.

I hope they send that worthless politico packing in November and get a governor with a backbone.