State Senator Wendy Rogers (R-AZ) has introduced three bills that would restrict financial services for undocumented immigrants and increase cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The proposals, which recently passed a committee vote with Republican support, are now heading to the full Arizona Senate for consideration.
The first bill, SB 1421, would prevent banks and money transfer companies from accepting identification documents issued to unauthorized immigrants. It would also stop these businesses from processing money transfers for undocumented people in the country and ban loans that use Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers issued by the IRS.
Arizona's Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions would enforce these rules and penalize companies that break them.
SB 1520 focuses on information sharing between state and federal agencies. Under this bill, Arizona state agencies would be required to share data on undocumented immigrants, including those who have overstayed visas, whenever the federal government legally requests it.
“Arizona will no longer be a safe harbor for illegal activity or a place where federal laws are ignored," Senator Rogers said.
The third bill, SB 1055, would require local law enforcement to immediately notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection whenever they arrest someone who is in the country undocumented.
The Senator's Position
Rogers stated that these measures aim to ensure Arizona follows federal immigration law and protects taxpayer money.
“These measures send a clear message: if you are not here legally, you will not have access to financial systems, and the state will share information to make sure federal law is enforced,” she emphasized.
All three bills passed the Military Affairs and Border Security Committee along party lines, with Republicans voting in favor. They will now be debated and voted on by the entire Arizona Senate.
If passed by the Senate, the bills would move to the Arizona House of Representatives and eventually to Governor Katie Hobbs’ (D-AZ) office.
“Arizona families deserve a government that enforces the law, protects taxpayer dollars, and ensures every resident and visitor follows the rules,” Rogers concluded.
