Lawmakers target hiring of illegals

PHOENIX — Arizona legislative negotiators agreed Wednesday to punish employers who hire illegal immigrants by suspending or revoking licenses, a step that would put violators out of business at least temporarily.

The full House and Senate were expected to vote on the compromise approved by a conference committee. Members said they hoped to head off a proposed ballot measure with stricter sanctions also targeting businesses' licenses.

Passage of the bill would address a top priority issue for Republican majority lawmakers, and action on the issue came as the Legislature appeared on the verge of ending its annual session.

Advocates for tougher border enforcement contend the state needs to impose employer sanctions because the federal government has failed to adequately enforce a federal law that already prohibits employers from intentionally hiring illegal immigrants.

Critics said they feared the measure would damage the state's business climate.