Voters say 'yes' to immigration measures

Source: azcentral.com

Arizona's four immigration propositions are passing, so far claiming more than 70 percent of the vote with 70 percent of polls reporting.

Proposition 103, one of the more controversial measures on the ballot, seeks to make English the state's official language. It calls for all government action to be conducted in English, although there are numerous exemptions, such as legal proceedings. Bilingual ballots would not be affected because of federal law.

Proponents of the measure said it was an important symbolic move, designed to show the value of the English language in the state. Opponents called the measure unnecessary considering governmental business is already conducted in English. With the numerous exemptions, there would be few practical effects, opponents said. advertisement




Another controversial measure, Proposition 300, aims to ban undocumented immigrants from using state funds for adult education and childcare. Opponents said students of undocumented immigrants would suffer because they cannot benefit from in-state college tuition.

Two propositions would have an immediate impact in Arizona courts. Proposition 100 would prevent illegal immigrants from receiving bail, thus stopping them from fleeing the country before trial.

Opponents say illegal immigrants would be further targeted by unreasonable rules and bail amounts. Proponents said the measure was necessary to keep criminals from escaping punishment.

Proposition 102 aims to end illegal immigrants suing for punitive damages, limiting their awards to actual damages. The legislature put the proposition on the ballot in hopes of protecting Arizonans from being subjected to large-scale cash penalties. Opponents claim the measure exempts businesses from caring for employees hurt on the job.