Plan limits babies' rights to citizenship

Birth certificates would be denied to those without a legal parent

By Howard Fischer

CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES

PHOENIX — The architect of Arizona's new employer sanctions law, which takes effect Tuesday, is crafting a series of new measures aimed at people who entered the U.S. illegally.

Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, says he is introducing measures this legislative session to:

● Deny regular birth certificates to babies born in Arizona unless at least one parent proves citizenship.

● Expand the state crime of trespass to cover anyone in the U.S. without authorization.

● Require proof of legal presence in the U.S. to register a vehicle or get a title.

● Deny workers' compensation benefits to undocumented workers injured on the job.

● Bar local policies that prohibit police officers from checking the immigration status of those they encounter.

Pearce is not taking any chances the measures will be rejected by Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano, who previously vetoed a trespass bill and similar proposals. All are being drafted so if they pass the Republican-controlled Legislature they go directly to the ballot.