Immigration reform is the sound byte on everybody's lips as 2008 election campaigning heats up. Here in Arizona, the issue has generated headlines, legislative debate and, finally, law. Most notable is State House Bill 2779, the Fair and Legal Employment Act, also known as the employer-sanctions law. Passed by the House in May, the Senate in June and signed by Gov. Janet Napolitano in July, the law requires employers to verify employment eligibility through a federal database and carries tough penalties for violation, including business license suspension and revocation. Introduced by Mesa Rep. Russell Pearce, R-19, who threatened to take the issue to referendum if his bill wasn't passed, the law will take effect Jan. 1, 2008.
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