Arizona has taken the problem of illegal immigration seriously. Like several other states, Arizona has not just focused on the illegal immigrants themselves. Those who profit by hiring illegal immigrants also face more rigorous state actions for their misconduct.  In 2007, Arizona passed LAWA or the “Legal Arizona Workers Act,” which provided for escalating legal sanctions up to the revocation of an employer’s right to do business if the employer knowingly hired illegal immigrants.

The law was not punitive against immigrants.  It did not treat legal immigrants any differently than American citizens.  State governments have, and do, restricted employment for different classes of citizens.  Sex offenders, for example, are often barred from working in schools or daycare facilities.  Drunk drivers lose their license to drive and, by that restriction, their ability to work at many jobs.

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Photo: Arizona state capitol (top) and House floor (bottom)