[JURIST] The Arizona State Legislature [official website] voted Thursday to approve a new bill [AZ Senate factsheet] tightening immigration laws in the state for the thousands of illegal immigrants who enter the state from Mexico annually. The bill restricts benefits that immigrants can receive, and prohibits illegals from attending adult education classes, receiving child care assistance, or having in-state tuition status at public universities. The bill's supporters say that Arizona is burdened by a extremely large number of illegal immigrants and currently loses much revenue by providing health care and educational services to them. A second bill [factsheet] passed Thursday forbids local governments from supplying money to centers that help illegal immigrants find work. Both bills must now be signed into law by Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano [official website]. In November, Arizona voters approved Proposition 200 [JURIST report], requiring a person to show proof of US citizenship when seeking publicly funded benefits. AP has more.
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