PHOENIX— Arizona Republican lawmakers are advancing legislation that would restrict immigrants’ access to financial services and require greater cooperation with federal immigration authorities, proposals that Democrats in the state say would harm families and the state’s economy, according to a new report.
The measures would partially reverse a bipartisan law signed five years ago by then-Gov. Doug Ducey recognizing certain foreign-issued consular identification cards as valid in limited situations, including banking and interactions with law enforcement, according to AZMirror.com.
One proposal, Senate Bill 1421 sponsored by Republican Sen. Wendy Rogers, would bar financial institutions from accepting forms of identification used primarily by immigrants to access services such as opening bank accounts, cashing checks, obtaining loans or sending money abroad. It would also impose stricter oversight and potential fines on banks and wire companies that process remittances without proof of citizenship.
‘Increase Accountability’
Rogers said the bill is intended to increase accountability for financial institutions that profit from cross-border money transfers. Critics note that remittances already face federal anti-money-laundering regulations, AZMirror.com reported.
The Senate approved the measure this week on a 16-12 party-line vote, sending it to the Republican-controlled House. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, who has rejected legislation lacking bipartisan backing, is expected to veto it, the report added.
‘Punitive & Short-Sighted’
Democratic lawmakers denounced the proposal as punitive and economically short-sighted. Sen. Analise Ortiz of Phoenix said sending money to support relatives abroad “should not be a crime,” while Sen. Lauren Kuby of Tempe warned the restrictions could deter international students and others who contribute significantly to Arizona’s economy, according to AZMirror.com.
Lawmakers also advanced Senate Bill 1520, which would require state agencies through 2028 to share information about unauthorized immigrants or visa overstays with federal authorities, the report said. Supporters said the measure would improve coordination with law enforcement, while Democrats argued it could lead to wrongful targeting of citizens or legal residents and was politically motivated.
That bill also passed 16-12 and now heads to the House, AZMirror.com reported.
