National business groups join court challenge of Arizona sanctions law
The Business Journal of Phoenix - 1:29 PM MST Wednesday, August 8, 2007by Mike SunnucksThe Business Journal

National business groups have joined a lawsuit fighting a new Arizona law that punishes employers that hire illegal immigrants

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Roofing Contractors Association have joined the suit, filed by a number of Arizona business organizations. Business and corporate interests have asked the U.S. Federal District Court in Phoenix to throw out the law, which calls for revocation of business licenses for those caught intentionally hiring illegal immigrants.

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Employers for Immigration Reform, Arizona Farm Bureau Federation, Arizona Contractors Association, Wake Up Arizona and Arizona Restaurant & Hospitality Association also are part of the suit.

They contend immigration is a federal matter and the state sanctions law violates that premise as well as due process protections. They also say the law will put legitimate employers out of business and that it discriminates against Hispanics.

Supporters of the measure say the sanctions law punishes scofflaw businesses that unlawfully hire illegals and exploit them for their cheap labor and that there are protections in place to address discrimination and unintentional mistakes.

The law firm Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll LLP and attorneys Dave Selden and Julie Pace are representing the business groups in the sanctions suit.

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