Lorena Van Assche, a member of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board, spoke out against HCR 2060 during a press conference on May 8, 2024. She emphasized the chamber’s opposition to the Protecting Arizona Against Illegal Immigration Act and highlighted the potential economic consequences for the state.
Van Assche pointed out that E-verify is already a requirement under Arizona law, and that the state has existing fraud and criminal statutes in place to address behaviors targeted by the proposed referendum. The referral seeks to expand the E-verify requirement to include industries previously exempt, such as construction, agriculture, and hospitality. Additionally, it aims to impose stronger legal penalties on employers who do not comply.
The proposed referral bears similarities to a bill that was previously vetoed by Gov. Katie Hobbs. If approved by voters in November’s general election, it would bypass the governor’s veto power and be implemented without her approval or support. Van Assche’s remarks underscored the chamber’s belief that expanding E-verify requirements would not make economic sense for the state and could lead to damaging consequences if implemented without careful consideration of its potential impact.