Arizona's Immigration Law: What's Left

Although U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton put a hold on several of the more explosive provisions in Arizona’s controversial immigration law Wednesday, the rest of the legislation is now in effect. Included are several of the provisions not blocked by Bolton:

-Arizona residents will be allowed to bring legal action against any state official or agency that implements a policy that restricts the enforcement of federal immigration laws. If guilty, the official or agency will pay a penalty of $1000-5000 for each day the policy is in place after the suit is filed.

-It will be illegal for day laborers to enter vehicles or for drivers to pick up day laborers if it impedes the flow of traffic.

-Employers will be expected to verify employees’ citizenship via an electronic program.

-State employees and supervisors who discover violations of the federal immigration law will be required to report them or face a misdemeanor.

-Knowingly transporting, hiring or harboring illegal aliens is a crime, as is encouraging or inducing an alien to enter the U.S. illegally.

-Vehicles used to transport illegal aliens can be impounded.

-Arizona residents applying for a federal public benefit will be required to present identification to confirm their citizenship. These forms of IDs include driver’s licenses, birth certificates or documents proving American Indian heritage. Residents will also be required to sign a sworn affidavit ensuring the legitimacy of the document under penalty of perjury.

-The Arizona bill sets up a Joint Border Advisory Committee within the state legislature intended to gather testimony on border security and issue a monthly report.