Arizona AG rules Proposition 200 applies only to welfare programs News
Arizona AG rules Proposition 200 applies only to welfare programs

[JURIST] Proposition 200, the Arizona state initiative aimed at keeping illegal immigrants from receiving public benefits, is limited to certain welfare-related programs, Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard ruled Friday. Goddard wrote an advisory legal opinion [PDF] to clarify some of the confusion regarding the reference to "state and local public benefits" in the text of the Proposition. He stated that the proposition should apply to Arizona's welfare law, because the proposition amended that law. However, many welfare programs, including food stamps and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, are exempt because they are federally required. The proposition, approved by voters on November 2nd, should become law later this month. AP has more. JURIST's Paper Chase has background on Proposition 200.