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Immigration See other Immigration Articles Title: Migrant bills sent to governor Migrant bills sent to governor [of AZ] Elvia Díaz The Legislature on Thursday sent Gov. Janet Napolitano two bills targeting undocumented immigrants, amid protests from Democrats who thought employers should be penalized, too. The measures, House Bills 2592 and 2030, will move on to Napolitano without the employer sanctions provisions. Democrats had argued that jobs, not public handouts, entice illegal border crossers to Arizona. Also on Thursday, the Legislature agreed to let voters decide whether to deny bail to undocumented immigrants who commit a serious crime. The issue will go on the November 2006 ballot. Under HB 2030, undocumented immigrants would be barred from attending adult courses, receiving child-care subsidies and other government-funded benefits. Also, those here illegally would have to pay out-of-state college tuition. HB 2592 prohibits cities, towns and counties from spending taxpayers' money on the day laborers who congregate on streets waiting for jobs. "Employers have to assume some degree of responsibility," said Rep. Pete Rios, D-Hayden, saying private businesses in general are enticing illegal immigration. "They might as well just walk up and down the border with a sign that says 'hiring today, come on over,' " he added. "If employers didn't hire people who are undocumented, they would have no reason to come across the border." Democrats had proposed stiff sanctions, including yanking the business license of employers caught hiring undocumented workers. But Republicans and the business community balked, saying employer sanctions should be left to the federal government. "There are laws on the books that already address (employer sanctions)," said House Speaker Jim Weiers, R-Phoenix, who added that the goal of the bills is money. "You don't give away taxpayers' money to issues not legal." Rep. Tom Boone, R-Glendale, has said he supports some sort of employer penalties but opposed attaching them to his HB 2030. He also balked at the suggestion from Democrats and other Latino leaders that his legislation widens the scope of benefits denied to undocumented immigrants under Proposition 200, which was approved by voters in November. "This is a direct result of Proposition 200," said Luis Ibarra, the head of the Friendly House, a comprehensive family service agency in Phoenix. "The anti-immigrant movement is out of control."
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