Arizona House Speaker, Ben Toma, has recently introduced legislation aimed at penalizing employers who hire undocumented immigrants. The proposed bill, known as HCR 2060 or the Protecting Arizona Against Illegal Immigration Act, seeks to strengthen and expand the state’s mandatory electronic verification system. If passed, it would make it a felony crime for employers to knowingly hire illegal aliens.
At a press conference held in Phoenix on February 19, Toma expressed his concerns about the state’s border being overrun by illegal aliens. He criticized both the governor and the president for not taking sufficient action, stating that he refuses to stand by and do nothing about it. Toma emphasized that HCR 2060 is one of the toughest laws on illegal immigration ever written and aims to close loopholes that allow undocumented immigrants to work in Arizona and access taxpayer-funded public assistance programs.
The bill also includes provisions to hold employers accountable for knowingly assisting illegal aliens in breaking employment laws. Toma believes that if the bill becomes law, illegal aliens will have every reason to leave Arizona. He argues that if you’re in the country illegally, you shouldn’t be able to take advantage of any public programs.
The Federation for American Immigration Reform estimates that Arizona spends around $2.3 billion annually on expenditures related to illegal aliens. Toma highlighted that if all the individuals encountered by the U.S. Border Patrol in southern Arizona last year were to remain in the state, spending would increase to over $5.3 billion per year.
HCR 2060 builds upon the existing E-Verify law enacted in 2008, which requires employers to verify the legal status of their employees. The proposed bill would strengthen E-Verify by allowing the state attorney general and county attorneys to investigate violations and impose a significant financial penalty of $10,000 per violation. Independent contractors and subcontractors earning more than $600 annually would also be subject to the E-Verify requirement.
Additionally, the bill aims to hold state and local agencies more accountable for their spending and requires all agencies to use E-Verify. It also strengthens law enforcement by making it a Class 6 felony for individuals to refuse to use E-Verify or obstruct another person’s legal duty to use it. Toma believes that these measures will ensure that everyone working in Arizona does so legally.
Despite potential opposition from the governor, Toma is confident that the bill will be successful as it is a ballot referral. On February 19, the bill was sent to the House Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
Ben Toma, who was selected as House Speaker in 2022, is also a conservative Republican candidate running for Arizona’s U.S. House District 8 in the 2024 election. His strong stance on immigration aligns with his efforts to secure the border and protect the interests of American citizens.
As HCR 2060 moves through the legislative process, it remains to be seen how it will be received and whether it will ultimately become law. However, Toma’s initiative has ignited a conversation about the impact of illegal immigration on Arizona’s economy and public assistance programs, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement measures.
