Original URL: http://regulus.azstarnet.com/hourlyupdate/story.php?id=18

Napolitano voices opposition to anti-illegal immigration initiative

The Associated Press, July 22, 2003

PHOENIX — Gov. Janet Napolitano voiced her opposition to an initiative aimed at preventing undocumented immigrants from receiving government services.

“I’m against it ... This does not address a problem that we have. Why are we letting the federal government off the hook?” Napolitano told The Arizona Republic for Tuesday’s editions.

Napolitano believes the federal government needs to take the lead in responding to immigration issues.

Proposed for Arizona’s fall 2004 ballot, the initiative would impose new requirements to provide evidence of citizenship to register to vote, cast ballots at polling places and obtain services which are not mandated by the federal government.

State Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, supports the initiative and is a senior adviser to Protect Arizona NOW, the grass-roots group behind the measure.

Pearce and other proponents say the proposal is a way to protect taxpayers from the unbridled fiscal and social costs of illegal immigration.

Last week, eight Republican members of Arizona’s congressional delegation issued a statement saying they shared similar concerns about immigration but would not support it.

Rep. J.D. Hayworth, R-Ariz., was among those who came out against the proposal and said he applauds Napolitano’s opposition.

“I thank the governor for finally joining the leaders of the Hispanic community and the Arizona congressional delegation in opposing this proposition,” Hayworth said.