Migrant controls pitched The Associated Press
Barred from certain government benefits, illegal immigrants in Arizona could face more restrictions under a proposal meant to discourage people from sneaking into the country.
The proposal at the Arizona Legislature would prohibit illegal immigrants from attending state colleges and adult education classes. It would bar them from receiving utility and child care assistance, college tuition waivers and financial aid that is subsidized by state money. It also would keep them from having in-state status at Arizona's public colleges, a classification that results in lower tuition.
The measure builds on Proposition 200, a voter-approved law that denies some welfare benefits to illegal immigrants. The law's easy victory in November is a source of encouragement for advocates of limiting immigration.
The latest proposal was softened earlier this month when lawmakers removed language that would have prevented illegal immigrants from adopting children and receiving state housing assistance. They also removed a requirement for citizenship checks on parents before they enroll children in public schools.