Arizona Immigration Law: Proposition 314 and severe penalties

Voters in Arizona approved Proposition 314, one of the most severe state immigration laws in the United States.

This legislation makes it a crime to cross the border irregularly from Mexico and grants immigration powers to local police.

With 63% of the vote, the law allows police departments to arrest undocumented migrants and enforce federal immigration laws.

Proposition 314 also grants immunity to police departments from lawsuits related to the implementation of this law.

Deportation Powers and Sanctions in Arizona Immigration Law

Another provision allows state judges to issue deportation orders, without the need to go through immigration courts.

Additionally, sanctions are established for migrants who use false documents to obtain public benefits or apply for jobs.

Government agencies must verify the information of benefit applicants through the federal E-verify system.

The law includes harsher penalties for those trafficking in fentanyl, especially in cases resulting in death.

Pro-immigration groups compare Proposition 314 to the controversial SB1070 law of 2010, known as the «show me your papers» law.

SB1070 led to multiple protests, lawsuits, an economic boycott, and legal clashes with the federal government.

This law allows police to question the immigration status of individuals detained for minor offenses, a power that remains in effect.

However, under SB1070, local authorities must contact immigration services to process detainees.

Proposition 314 goes further, granting police the power to arrest, question, and detain suspects for illegal crossings.

Despite its intentions, the law has been criticized even by law enforcement agencies, who see it as a burden without additional funding.