Arizona Chamber Opposes Arizona Illegal Immigration Act, Cites Economic Concerns and Legal Framework in Press Conference”.

On May 8, 2024, Lorena Van Assche, a member of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board, spoke out against the Protecting Arizona Against Illegal Immigration Act during a press conference. She explained that the chamber opposed the bill as it was not economically viable for the state and could result in costly litigation if implemented.

Van Assche highlighted that E-verify is already a legal requirement in Arizona and that the state has strong laws in place to combat fraudulent immigration activities. The proposed referral would expand the E-verify requirement to include industries previously exempt, such as construction, agriculture, and hospitality. It would also increase legal penalties for employers who do not comply with the law.

The proposal is similar to a bill that was vetoed by Governor Katie Hobbs in the past. If approved, it would be presented to voters during the November general elections bypassing the governor’s veto authority. The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce opposes this bill based on its potential negative impact on the state’s economy and existing legal framework to address immigration issues.

According to Van Assche, past immigration legislation like SB 1070 had negative consequences on Arizona’s economy. Therefore, expanding E-verify requirements and increasing legal penalties for non-compliance could further harm businesses in these industries.

In conclusion, Van Assche emphasized that while protecting illegal immigration remains a concern for many people in Arizona, expanding E-verify requirements and increasing legal penalties without considering their impact on businesses could lead to significant economic losses for the state.