Anti-Immigrant Bills

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Anti-Immigrant Bills

2013 Anti-Immigrant & Pro-Immigrant Bills in the Arizona Legislature

Anti-Immigrant Bills

HB 2032: Driver licenses; authorized presence proof
HB 2289: Schools; data; noncitizen students
HB 2293: Hospital Admissions; Restrictions

HB 2293: Hospital Admissions; Restrictions

This legislation requires hospitals to verify the documentation status of every patient who does not provide valid proof of insurance.

Status: Referred to House Health Committee on 01/22/2013.
For bill’s full text, go to: http://www.azleg.gov/DocumentsForBill.asp?Bill_Number=HB2293&;Session_ID=110

HB 2289: Schools; data; noncitizen students

This legislation requires schools to keep track of students that cannot prove citizenship.

Status: No data yet.
For bill’s full text, go to: http://www.azleg.gov/DocumentsForBill.asp?Bill_Number=HB2289&;Session_ID=110

HB 2032: Driver licenses; authorized presence proof

This bill would allow individuals that receive work permits through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) the ability to apply for a driver’s license. A driver’s license makes it easier for individuals to go to school and work, to support their families, themselves and their dream of becoming a contributing member of our society.

Status: Heard by the House Transportation Committee on 2/14/2013. It was discussed and held.

For bill’s full text, go to: http://www.azleg.gov/DocumentsForBill.asp?Bill_Number=2032&;Session_Id=110&image.x=0&image.y=0

Last Updated on Tuesday, February 19 2013 14:09

Arizona's 51st Legislature

Anti-Immigrant Bills
Click here for a list of anti-immigrant & pro-immigrant bills in Arizona's 51st Legislature
Last Updated on Monday, April 15 2013 18:13

2010 Anti-Immigrant Bills in the Arizona State Legislature

Anti-Immigrant Bills
Tuesday, February 23 2010 11:12
Click on each bill for a description Haga clic aqui para ver esta lista en español HB2042 ROADSIDE SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYMENT; PROHIBITION HB2099 TECH CORRECTION; RETURN OF ALIENS H2105 TECH CORRECTION; BENEFITS; ALIENS; ATHLETES HB 2162 ARIZONA BORDER SECURITY COMMISSION H2182 SCHOOL PUPILS; LAWFUL STATUS; STATE AID HB2281 SCHOOLS; PROHIBITED COURSES; DISCIPLINE (AMENDED) HB2343 EVADING ARREST OR DETENTION; CRIME HB2351 COMMUNICATION WITH LEGISLATORS HB2382 SCHOOLS; STUDENT DATA COLLECTION HB2383 NATIONAL GUARD MOBILIZATION; BORDER HB2384 IMMIGRATION LAWS; LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT HB2531 UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS; IMMIGRATION LAWS; ENFORCEMENT HB2532 UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS; LICENSING HB2632 IMMIGRATION; LAW ENFORCEMENT; SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS HB2749 TEMP WORKER PROGRAM; PROVISIONS HB2770 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE; PROHIBITED ACTS HB2773 UNLAWFUL REENTRY; CLASSIFICATION HCM2017 AZ TEMP WORKER PROGRAM; MEMORIAL HCR2004 TECH CORRECTION; ILLEGAL ALIENS SB1027 IMMIGRATION; SEISMIC SENORS; PILOT PROGRAM SB1029 LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS; DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS SB1033 VEHICLE IMPOUNDMENT; PROOF OF INSURANCE SB1070 IMMIGRATION; LAW ENFORCEMENT; SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS SB1097 SCHOOLS; DATA; NONCITIZEN STUDENTS SB1183 PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION; BILINGUAL ACCOMMODATION SB1242 EMPLOYER PROTECTIONS; LABOR RELATIONS SB1380 PROBATION; DRUG OFFENSES; ILLEGAL ALIENS SB1394 UNLAWFUL REENTRY; OFFENSE; BAIL SB1403 EMPLOYER SANCTIONS; SUBPOENAS SCR1011 TECH CORRECTION; ILLEGAL ALIENS HB2042 ROADSIDE SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYMENT; PROHIBITION Primary Sponsors: Representative John Kavanagh (R-8) This bill would make it a class 3 (lowest) misdemeanor for the driver of car to stop on a road to hire a person for work or for a person to get into a car for the purpose of being hired if the vehicle blocks or impedes traffic. Last Status: 1/21 Approved by House Judiciary committee. Approved 2/18 by House COW Back to Top HB2099 TECH CORRECTION; RETURN OF ALIENS Representative Carl Seel (R-6) This bill makes some insignificant language changes in the law regarding the state of Arizona handing over undocumented immigrants who are in the custody of state hospitals, prisons or other institutions. This bill was probably introduced as-is now with the plan of introducing a “strike-all” amendment that will replace it with all new language…we’ll have to keep watching it. Last Status: No actions posted for this bill. Back to Top H2105: TECH CORRECTION; BENEFITS; ALIENS; ATHLETES Representative Carl Seel (R-6) This bill makes insignificant language changes to the existing law that says that if an athlete is undocumented, they will not be paid unemployment benefits. Last Status: No actions posted for this bill. Back to Top HB2162: ARIZONA BORDER SECURITY COMMISSION Senator Al Melvin (R-26) HB 2162 is Senator Al Melvin’s latest attempt to militarize our border. Introduced on April 7, HB 2162 establishes an unfunded “Arizona Border Security Commission”, an 18-member entity -with no space for independent members of civil society- that will meet monthly to recommend measures to “improve security”. However, “recommend” is an ill-fated term here, as Melvin has already included the Commission’s “recommendations”: the further militarization of our border. As if that was not enough, HB 2162 also seeks to paramilitarize our border. The bill provides $200,000 to the Cochise county sheriff's office for “border security, including the costs of equipment related to a pilot program to dispatch a volunteer security force to the United States‑Mexico border”. The bill is silent on the length of this “pilot program”, on who will be part of this “volunteer security force” and on what “equipment” will be provided to this “force”. Border Action Network is greatly concerned that this will lead to the taxpayers’ funding of the vigilante groups that have for years terrorized our border communities. We are further troubled with our taxpayer dollars going to weapons to these criminal groups. The privatization of the war on terror severely tarnished the US government’s reputation. The “Blackwaterization” of our border will only bring shame to our state. It is urgent that we tell our elected officials to vote NO on HB 2162. Back to Top H2182: SCHOOL PUPILS; LAWFUL STATUS; STATE AID Representative Carl Seel (R-6) This bill would require school districts and charter schools to exclude children who can not prove the lawful residence in Arizona from the “average daily attendance,” “average daily membership,” and “student count” of the school. These counts are used to determine state funding for the schools. The bill’s intent is that schools would have to ask a child’s immigration status and the schools that have high immigrant populations, would receive less state funding. Last Status: 1/20 referred to House Education and House Appropriations committees Back to Top HB2281 SCHOOLS; PROHIBITED COURSES; DISCIPLINE (AMENDED) Representative Steve Montenegro (R-12) This bill prohibits school districts and charter schools from including courses or classes that are designed primarily for students of a particular ethnic group or that advocate “ethnic solidarity.” Basically, the state is trying to get rid of any classes or programs that try to build the self-esteem and knowledge of the history of Native American, African-American, Latino or other immigrant youth. Last Status: 1/20 referred to House Education and House Government Committees. Approved 2/16 with amendment (amended language changes “ethnic solidarity” prohibition to “hate” prohibition.) Back to Top HB2343 EVADING ARREST OR DETENTION; CRIME Primary Sponsors: Representative Frank Antenori (R-30) This bill would create a new crime of “evading arrest or detention” if someone intentionally flees from a law enforcement officer trying to arrest or detain them. It is already a crime to evade arrest…so this law is an unnecessary way to just keep putting more and more people in jails. Last Status: 1/25 referred to House Judiciary Committee; Approved 2/18 by Committee. Back to Top HB2351 COMMUNICATION WITH LEGISLATORS Primary Sponsors: Representative Frank Antenori (R-30) This bill would make it a crime (a Class 2 misdemeanor) for someone to communicate with a legislator and “pretend” to be one of their constituents. For example, if the email alert system that Border Action Network uses, makes a mistake and sends an email to a legislator from someone that does not live in their district, but the email implies that they do, the person would have committed a crime! Last Status: 1/19 referred to House Judiciary Committee Back to Top HB2382 SCHOOLS; STUDENT DATA COLLECTION Representative Carl Seel (R-6) HB2382 would require the state’s Department of Education, school districts and schools to collect and compile data concerning students’ immigration status. The Dept of Education would be required to produce a report that analyzes the costs of providing education to undocumented children. Anyone who provides a fraudulent report would be guilty of a Class 1 Misdemeanor. This bill is meant to intimidate immigrant families from enrolling their children into public education, a right which is guaranteed for all those residing in the United States regardless of their legal status. Last Status: 1/19 referred to House Education Committee 2/8 Withdrawn from Educ and Referred to Government Committee. 2/23 Approved by the Government Committee. Back to Top HB2383 NATIONAL GUARD MOBILIZATION; BORDER Representative Carl Seel (R-6) HB2383 states that if and when the Arizona Governor declares a state of emergency due to increases in deaths, crime and property damage from undocumented immigration across the Arizona border, the governor must mobilize the National Guard and put them on the Arizona border. Last Status: Approved on 1/27 by the House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee. 2/8 to the House Consent Calendar; Removed by Rep. Patterson 2/9 Approved by the House Rules Committee 2/18 Approved by the House COW 2/23 FAILED IN THE AZ HOUSE! Back to Top HB2384 IMMIGRATION LAWS; LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT Primary Sponsors: Tom Boone (R-4) H2384 would give the state legislature the power to override decisions made by city councils, county governments and local law enforcement agencies if they decide to not ask about peoples’ immigration status. The bill also says that local governments can not be restricted from maintaining information on peoples’ immigration status and that they must share that information with other government agencies. Also says that sheriffs and local police would need to create a program to train their officers in immigration enforcement. Last Status: Approved on 1/28 by the House Judiciary Committee. Back to Top HB2531 UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS; IMMIGRATION LAWS; ENFORCEMENT Primary Sponsors: Representative David Gowan (R-30) This bill prohibits what the legislature has termed “sanctuary cities” where a city, county, town or a law enforcement agency implements laws or rules saying they will not ask people about their immigration status unless it is necessary or required. The bill goes even further to require any government official or personnel to make a reasonable attempt to find out someone’s immigration status and notify ICE if someone is undocumented. The bill also would charge any undocumented person with the crime of trespassing with a $500 fine for first violation, $1000 for additional violations. Last Status: No actions posted for this bill. Back to Top HB2532 UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS; LICENSING Primary Sponsors: Representative David Gowan (R-30) This bill would give the state Attorney General and the county attorneys the power to issue subpoenas (normally only a judge can issue a subpoena) while investigating possible violations of the Arizona employer sanctions law. It also forces every employer to use the national E-Verify database to verify the immigration status of employees. Last Status: No actions posted for this bill. Back to Top HB2632 IMMIGRATION; LAW ENFORCEMENT; SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS Representative David Gowan (R-30) This bill is an exact copy of a bill introduced in the Senate by Russell Pearce and repeats sections of other bills already introduced by other legislators. It is referred to as Pearce’s “Immigration Omnibus” bill because it includes so many different components: 1. No city, state, county government entity can adopt a policy that limits or restricts the enforcement of federal immigration. 2. In all contacts with people, government employees will be required to verify someone’s immigration status if they have “reasonable suspicion” that the person might be undocumented; 3. Law enforcement would be able to arrest someone they think is undocumented without a warrant; 4. A person would be charged with trespassing if they are found to be in the state without having legal immigration status; 5. It would be a crime for someone to stop their vehicle on the road in order to hire a day laborer and it would be illegal for someone to get into a car that is blocking the road for the purpose of getting a job; 6. It would become a Class 1 misdemeanor for someone who is undocumented to knowingly apply for, solicit or perform work as an “independent contractor” or employee. 7. It would become a Class 1 misdemeanor to drive or “conceal” someone who is undocumented; It would also become illegal to “induce” or encourage someone who is undocumented to move to Arizona. Last Status: 2/10 referred to House Government Committee. 2/24 Scheduled Hearing:House Military Affairs & Public Safety (2/24 9:00 AM, House Rm. 3) Striker: SAME SUBJECT Back to Top HB2749 Temp Worker Program; Provisions Representative Pat Fleming (D-25) This bill would establish an Arizona temporary worker program to provide foreign workers to employers in Arizona that are experiencing a labor shortage. The program would be conditionally enacted on the federal government authorizing Arizona to implement a temporary worker program or other similar program. Attempts to pass a similar bill failed in 2008 due to the federal government refusing to give Arizona (and Colorado) powers that are clearly within federal jurisdiction. Furthermore, temporary worker programs have been infamous for fostering worker abuse. Any new worker program must provide an option for the worker to apply for permanent residency, bring their family, and guarantee wage, organizing and safety protections. Last Status: 2/10 referred to House Commerce and Government Committees Back to Top HB2770 Public Assistance; Prohibited Acts Representative Frank Antenori (R-30) HB2770 says that a person would be ineligible for welfare payments or any assistance programs administered by the Dept of Economic Security if the person possesses, purchases or consumes alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs; is in possession of a cell phone if there is also a land line in the person's home; has a cell phone contract for a level of service greater than basic; purchases an automobile worth more than $5,000; purchases a TV worth more than $300; has cable TV with a level of service greater than basic. Applicants and recipients must sign a sworn affidavit stating they will comply. Last Status: 2/10 referred to House Health and Human Services Committee Back to Top HB2773 Unlawful Reentry; Classification Representative Adam Driggs (R-11) HB2773 says that a person would be guilty of the class 4 felony crime of unlawful reentry if the person has been previously deported from the U.S. and is apprehended in this county without proper authorization. The list of actions required of law enforcement upon processing arrestees for illegal presence in the U.S. is expanded to include requesting information from other law enforcement agencies as to whether the arrestee has ever been deported or removed from the U.S. Last Status: 2/10 referred to House Judiciary Committee. Held in Committee 2/18. Back to Top HCM2017 AZ Temp Worker Program; Memorial Representative Pat Fleming (D-25) Summary to come Last Status: 2/10 referred to House Judiciary and Commerce Committees. Back to Top HCR2004 TECH CORRECTION; ILLEGAL ALIENS Representative Carl Seel (R-6) This bill makes some insignificant language changes in the existing law prohibiting someone who is undocumented being awarded “punitive damages” by any court in the state. This bill was probably introduced with the plan of introducing a “strike-all” amendment that will replace it with all new language…we’ll have to keep watching it. Status: No actions posted for this bill. Back to Top SB1027 IMMIGRATION; SEISMIC SENSORS; PILOT PROGRAM Primary Sponsors: Senator Russell Pearce (R-18) This bill would create a one-year pilot program in which the AZ Department of Public Safety (DPS) would look for grants to pay for putting seismic sensors near airport runways in rural Arizona to detect drugs or immigrants. This bill would be costly, ineffective and is simply unnecessary. For example, livestock, rabbits and coyotes can trigger seismic sensors placed in rural areas. Status: Approved on 1/13 by the Senate Public Safety and Human Services Committee Approved on 1/26 by the Senate Rules Committee Approved on 2/11 by the Committee of the Whole in the Senate Approved on 2/15 by the Senate 18-12. Back to Top SB1029 LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS; DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS Primary Sponsors: Senator Russell Pearce (R-18) Senator Pearce’s bill makes if more difficult for law enforcement officers to receive disciplinary action, including having a “preponderance of evidence” against them and officers’ having “reasonably known that disciplinary action would occur.” We understand that law enforcement officers have a very difficult job, risk their lives and put themselves in dangerous situations frequently. However, the principle and practice of accountability and justice should be applied equally to all, including those who enforce the law. Last Status: Approved on 1/28 by the Senate Public Safety and Human Services Committee Approved 2/2 by the Senate Rules Committee. Approved on 2/18 by Senate COW. Approved 2/22 by the Senate 29-1. Back to Top SB1033 VEHICLE IMPOUNDMENT; PROOF OF INSURANCE Primary Sponsors: Senator Jim Waring (R-7) This bill revises the law that defines when a law enforcement officer should impound a vehicle. The bill would require impoundment when the driver is either not properly licensed or properly insured. Previously, both circumstances had to apply before impoundment was required. Since Arizona does not provide drivers licenses to people that do not have legal immigration status in the state, this bill will hit the immigrant population in Arizona particularly hard. Last Status: 1/11 referred to Senate Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Public Committee Back to Top SB1070 IMMIGRATION; LAW ENFORCEMENT; SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS Primary Sponsors: Senator Russell Pearce (R-18) See description of HB2632 Status: Approved on 1/20 by Senate Public Safety and Human Services Committee Approved 2/2 from Senate Rules Committee with a technical amendment. Approved 2/15 by Senate 17-13. Ready for House. Back to Top SB1097 SCHOOLS; DATA; NONCITIZEN STUDENTS Primary Sponsors: Senator Russell Pearce (R-18) See description of HB2382. Last Status: 1/19 referred to Senate Education Committee 2/24 on the Senate Education Committee agenda Back to Top SB1183 PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION; BILINGUAL ACCOMMODATION Primary Sponsors: Senator John Huppenthal (R-20) This bill states that a person offering services at a place of public accommodation is not required to provide a person seeking services with a language interpreter or any forms or documentation in that person's native language. Last Status: Approved on 2/4 by Senate Government Institutions Committee Approved 2/9 by Senate Rules Committee 2/15 approved by the Senate 30-0 Back to Top SB1242 EMPLOYER PROTECTIONS; LABOR RELATIONS Primary Sponsors: Senator Russell Pearce (R-18) This bill expands the definition of harassment to include picketing, mass assembly, “interference with business”, engaging in a secondary boycott, and defamation. This bill is a direct attack on worker’s rights to organize, picket and demand improvement in their working conditions or other needs. Senator Pearce is attempting to criminalize the very actions that led to the creation of an 8-hour work day, minimum wage, and other basic worker protections and rights. Last Status: 1/28 referred to Senate Commerce and Economic Development Committee Held on 2/9 by Senate Comm and Econ Dev Committee Back to Top SB1380 PROBATION; DRUG OFFENSES; ILLEGAL ALIENS Primary Sponsors: Ron Gould (R-3) This bill would change a the law so that if someone is undocumented and is convicted of personal possession or use of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia, instead of being released on probation like everyone else, they must be imprisoned in the county jail for 30 days as an initial term of probation. The jail term cannot be deleted, deferred or suspended, and begins on the day of sentencing.. Last Status: 2/4 referred to Senate Judiciary Committee. Back to Top SB1394 UNLAWFUL REENTRY; OFFENSE; BAIL Primary Sponsors: Senator Russell Pearce (R-18) This Pearce bill would create a new state to make unlawful reentry by an undocumented immigrant a violation of state law (currently is federal immigration violation). A person commits the crime of “unlawful reentry” if the person is in Arizona without legal immigration status AND has previously been deported or agreed to voluntarily deport AND if the person has previously been convicted of a crime. Unlawful reentry would become a class 4 felony, punishable by a sentence of 10 to 15 years. A person who has previously been deported would not eligible for bail. Last Status: 2/23 Approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee Back to Top SB1403 EMPLOYER SANCTIONS; SUBPOENAS Primary Sponsors: Senator Russell Pearce (R-18) This bill is an effort to give the county attorneys more power to enforce the employer sanctions law. The county attorney would be authorized to take evidence, administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and take depositions. The investigations would be considered confidential and would be exempt from the requirements of holding public meetings. Last Status: 2/4 referred to Senate Commerce and Economic Development Committee 2/24 approved by the Senate Commerce Committee Back to Top SCR1011 TECH CORRECTION; ILLEGAL ALIENS Primary Sponsors: Senator Jonathan Paton (R-30) See description of HCR2004 Last Status:1/14 referred to Senate Rules Committee Back to Top
Last Updated on Wednesday, March 02 2011 15:29

Arizona's Anti-Immigrant Gang Considers Takeover of Public Offices

Anti-Immigrant Bills
Monday, October 12 2009 10:57
Border Action supporters beware! It looks like 2010 could be a dangerous year for Arizona elections. There are a host of anti-immigrant figures considering the run for public office, and we want you to be aware and informed of the potentially disastrous consequences if these candidates receive enough support! This anti-immigrant slate includes Andrew Thomas for Arizona attorney general, Bill Montgomery for county attorney, Sheriff Joe Arpaio for governor, and Senator Russell Pearce for sheriff.
Last Updated on Monday, November 16 2009 10:45
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40,000 Emails Sent to AZ Legislators Opposing Anti-Immigrant Measures

Advocacy - Anti-Immigrant Bills

Thursday, July 02 2009 16:40


Please take a moment to thank those legislators that took a stand against Russell Pearce and voted down HB2280! (click here) These victories are just the first step in holding our state legislators accountable to the voices of their constituency. In the coming months, Border Action Network will release its annual scorecard (click here to see past scorecards) analyzing legislators' and the Governor's votes on bills affecting, positively and negatively, human rights of immigrant and low-income families in Arizona. We hope you will join us in continuing this process of transforming our state into one that is welcoming, innovative and forward thinking and making a better Arizona. Thank you again for your support!

Now Two Years in a Row-No anti-immigrant bills pass!
Arizona's anti-immigrant legislator, Russell Pearce, is losing steam and political power

Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at 7:30 am, marked the final day of the Arizona State Legislature, bringing to end yet another senseless barrage of anti-immigrant, hate-based legislation. Thank you to you all for taking action these last three weeks—your hard work and dedication has truly paid off!!

From January to June, the Arizona legislature was deadlocked in debates over resolving the state's $3 billion budget deficit, withholding all non-budget related bills until there was a budget on the table. Amid the 5 month turmoil of creating the state budget—involving partisan politics, highly charged stand-offs between the Governor and both Republicans and Democrats alike—some legislators grew anxious to have their prized bills heard before the end of the session. On June 8th, a budget was passed (though not sent to the Governor) and the hold on hearing non-budget bills—acting as a levy holding back the rising tide of overzealous legislators and their flood of anti-immigrant bills—was at last broken. Throughout the span of the legislative session, 27 total anti-immigrant and hate-based bills were introduced—of them 17 were sponsored by Senator Russell Pearce (R-18). Because you took action—you responded to 34 action alerts, sending 40,000 emails to your state legislators—defeating all 12 of the forward-moving anti-immigrant bills in just three weeks!

Last Updated on Friday, July 24 2009 14:49