Arizona lawmakers want to start state-run temporary worker plan

Associated Press
Feb. 11, 2008 04:47 PM

A group of Arizona lawmakers is proposing a state-run temporary worker plan that would let Mexicans come to the state to work in businesses hard-hit by labor shortages.

The lawmakers cited their frustrations with Congress' failure to overhaul the country's immigration policies and update its guest worker programs to provide businesses with more access to skilled labor. Ironically, Arizona would need the approval of Congress to enter into a guest worker agreement with Mexico.

"We are looking at trying to solve real business problems," said Republican Rep. Bill Konopnicki of Safford, owner of six restaurants and an author of the proposals.

America's guest worker programs are run by the federal government. Linton Joaquin, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center, an advocacy group for low-income immigrants, said he wasn't aware of any state having such a program.

The Arizona proposals would allow employers who experienced skilled labor shortages and can't find local employees to recruit workers through Mexican consulates.