New AZ law striking fear among immigrants News
New AZ law striking fear among immigrants

[JURIST] Attendance at a number of Arizona public schools has dropped dramatically in the past few days in what Hispanic community leaders are calling a parental response to Proposition 200 [PDF], approved by state voters on Tuesday. The new law requires a person to show proof of citizenship when seeking publicly funded benefits. It also mandates that government employees report suspected illegal immigrants who seek benefits. Many are worried that the new law will have the same effect as California's similar Proposition 187 which, after its passing in 1994, resulted in undocumented immigrants withholding their children from schools and doctor visits. That law was later held unconstitutional by a federal judge. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund is expected to seek a court injunction against Proposition 200 after the 30-day certification period passes. AP has more.