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 expressed her chamber’s opposition to the bill and argued that it would not make economic sense for the state and could lead to costly litigation if implemented.
Van Assche also referenced the negative impact that past immigration legislation, such as SB 1070, had on the state’s economy. She emphasized that E-verify is already a requirement by law in Arizona and that the state already has strong legal statutes in place to address fraudulent behavior related to immigration.
The proposed referral aims to 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. However, Van Assche argued that this proposal is similar to a bill that was previously vetoed by Governor Katie Hobbs and could have a negative economic impact on the state.
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.