Many opponents, Asia's attitude against illegal immigration has softened

Many opponents, Asia's attitude against illegal immigration has softened (Alberta Times) Arizona, once a pioneer in states cracking down on illegal immigrants, is now showing signs of softening its attitude towards this issue...

(Alberta Times)

Arizona, once a pioneer in states' crackdown on illegal immigration, is now showing signs of softening its attitude towards this issue. The state's business, civil society and religious leaders released a statement of principles in January, called the Arizona Accord, calling for the state to adopt a new approach to illegal immigration, highlighting the economic contribution of immigrants, advocating for federal rather than state solutions, opposing policies that separate families and favoring a culture of inclusion. Signatories so far include the Greater Phoenix Economic Association, the Arizona Agriculture Commission, several major construction companies and the CEOs of agricultural agencies. Several bills proposed by state lawmakers last year to further restrict immigration were unsuccessful, with lobbying from the business community playing an important role. A tough anti-illegal immigration law was passed in 2010, criminalizing undocumented immigrants and requiring police to ask people about their immigration status. Major provisions of the law have been blocked by a federal court, and the Supreme Court has scheduled a review of the law in April. The state's anti-illegal immigration laws have inspired other states, including Alabama, to follow suit. But in November last year, state Senate Chairman Pierce, the promoter of the anti-illegal immigration law, was recalled. In the recall election, Lewis, who advocated a less confrontational immigration policy, was elected. Some state lawmakers who supported the law in the past have now changed their tune, saying the law is unconstructive. In the last session of the state Legislature, five anti-illegal immigration bills were not passed. On January 30, at the beginning of this session, nine Republican congressmen co-sponsored a bill to soften a 2007 bill that punished employers for hiring illegal immigrants, that is, to provide protection for employers who use the federal electronic identity verification system (E-Verify) to check the immigration status of employees. According to current law, even if this verification system is used, employers who unknowingly hire illegal immigrants may still be criminally prosecuted. Governor Jean Brewer's spokesperson Benson also said that the immigration issue does not require much attention at the moment. "The governor's view is that the people of Asia expect the governor to be committed to ensuring border security and promoting an improved economy." Business leaders say the state's important tourism and convention industries were hit hard after the 2010 anti-illegal immigration law was passed, with many scheduled events canceled. Hamer, president of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, said that this year is different from past years. At the chamber's recent annual legislative forecast dinner with state elected officials, the word immigration was not brought up. "The focus of the discussion was what the state should do to improve the economy."