During a press conference on May 8, 2024, Lorena Van Assche, an Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board member, expressed the chamber’s opposition to the Protecting Arizona Against Illegal Immigration Act. She stated that the act does not make economic sense for the state and could lead to costly litigation if implemented.
Van Assche highlighted that E-verify is already a requirement by law and that Arizona already has strong legal statutes in place to address fraudulent behavior related to immigration. The proposed referral would expand the E-verify requirement to include industries that were previously exempt, such as construction, agriculture, and hospitality. It would also increase legal penalties for employers who do not comply.
The proposal is similar to a bill that was previously vetoed by Governor Katie Hobbs. If approved, the proposal would be presented to voters during the November general elections, bypassing the governor’s veto authority. The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce opposes the act based on its potential negative economic impact on the state and the existing legal framework already in place to address immigration issues.
