Arizona's new hiring law hits Chandler businesses

Decline in holiday business blamed on Arizona's new hiring law

Sarah Muench
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 9, 2007 08:17 PM

Some Chandler businesses are taking a hit this holiday season as their main clientele - undocumented immigrants - leaves the city before the state's new hiring law goes into effect on Jan. 1.

Shops, such as Quintero Jewelry & More, are struggling to stay afloat as customers either pack up and move or save money while they see how the new law will affect them.

The issue, while primarily an economic challenge, is not without political controversy.

Many argue that business owners whose principal clientele comprises undocumented immigrants have assumed a certain level of risk by catering to workers who are in the country illegally.

And as the immigration issue becomes hotter in Arizona, many state and local leaders are redoubling their efforts to crack down on those who employ or otherwise cater to the migrant population.