SB 1070 author debates immigration rules

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By: Eric English

PHOENIX - In a small room at the Phoenix School of Law, the author of Arizona's controversial immigration law faced off against some of the legislation's toughest critics.

"I think it creates a lot less safety and a lot more harm," Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon said before the panel aimed at discussing the impact the law has had on Arizona's employers.

Critics say Senate Bill 1070 has cost the state millions and driven away business.

Kris Kobach, the author of 1070, claims it's a fair law that will be ruled appropriate. He predicts similar legislation will become popular with other states.

"I am very confident that most if not all of 1070 will be upheld," Kobach said. "And it will be enforced in Arizona."

Both sides presented passionate arguments about the legislation and how it affects the state.

"It's given Arizona a black eye," law professor Seven Gonzales said. "I think there's parts of the bill that definitely hurt employment in Arizona."

Critics say they'll see the law taken off the books and hope Arizona can recover from a poor reputation.

"I think there's some serious problems with it," Gonzales said. "We've had some boycotts, we've had other problems with it, I think it raises some serious concerns for employment, for business."

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