Department of Homeland Security statistics show about 100,000 illegal immigrants have left Arizona since 2007 when the state passed a law enhancing penalties for business hiring them.
PostChronicle.com
Many Hispanics are choosing to leave Arizona ahead of implementation of the state's new immigration law
, officials and residents say.
The law, which goes into effect July 29, is fueling an exodus from Arizona of Hispanics, who are in the United States both legally and illegally, for other more welcoming states, USA Today reported Wednesday.
Schools in Hispanic areas are reporting significant drops in enrollment, the newspaper said.
Department of Homeland Security statistics show about 100,000 illegal immigrants have left Arizona since 2007 when the state passed a law enhancing penalties for business hiring them.
David Castillo, co-founder of the Latin Association of Arizona, a chamber of commerce for nearly 400 first-generation Hispanic business owners, said: "(Governor Brewer) signed the law, and everything fell apart. It's devastating."
Juan Carlos Cruz, an undocumented nursery worker for 20 years, says he is planning his next move.
"If I were alone, I'd try to stay. But I have a family, and I have to find a place where we can live with more freedom," said Cruz, who hopes to move July 4 to blend in with holiday weekend traffic. "This is getting too hard."
A spokesman for Gov. Jan Brewer says he also heard reports of undocumented Hispanics leaving the state.
"If that means that fewer people are breaking the law, that is absolutely an accomplishment," Paul Senseman said. (c) UPI
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