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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

Arizona lawmakers battle it out over immigration proposals

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Tuesday, March 5, 2024   

The Republican-controlled Arizona Legislature has passed a number of bills that some immigration advocates are calling "SB 1070 2.0." Senate Bill 1231, otherwise known as the Arizona Invasion Act, would give law enforcement the authority to arrest migrants who are crossing the border and don't have the appropriate documentation.

Republican lawmakers argue the law would help control migrant numbers in the Grand Canyon State. The Tucson sector had the most migrant encounters of any sector along the U.S.-Mexico border, with more than 250,000 in the first four months of fiscal year 2024, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data.

Rep. Analise Ortiz, D-Glendale, warned the bill would lead to racial profiling.

"It is not the state's place to enforce federal immigration law, and when we do that we subject entire communities to terror, to racial profiling and to harassment," she contended.

While the measure may face opposition from Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, she may not be able to intercept other Republican-backed immigration proposals. If approved, voters in November could enact House Concurrent Resolution 2060, that would expand verification regulations for businesses to check the status of independent subcontractors and make it harder for migrants to access public benefits.

Rep. Lorena Austin, D-Mesa, said SB 1231 has "unintended and intended" consequences. She added Arizona is still trying to cope with the impacts of SB 1070, a controversial 2010 immigration law that some contend led to widespread racial profiling in Arizona.

"We saw that over 10 years ago, when thousands of people were being illegally stopped and targeted, and that shame is still something that clouds this state, " Austin said.

Arizona Republicans argue that the federal government has failed to secure the southern border, leading to an uncontrollable flow of migrants who have not followed proper protocol to immigrate, which is causing issues for those who are trying to do so legally.


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Opponents of a South Dakota bill that would require the Ten Commandments be posted in all public school classrooms say it would be an unfunded mandate. (Adobe Stock)

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A South Dakota House committee takes up a controversial bill today that would require all school districts in the state to display the Ten Commandment…


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