Illegal aliens in Arizona could do 6 months in jail

Illegal aliens in Arizona could do 6 months in jail
Legislature considering measure to make it crime to be in state
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Posted: February 17, 2007
6:10 p.m. Eastern

© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

If a referendum measure being considered by the Arizona legislature is submitted to voters and passed, anyone who has entered the U.S. illegally would be subject to 6 months in jail if found anywhere in Arizona, with sentences jumping to 30 months for repeat offenders and five years for those caught with illegal drugs or dangerous weapons.

HCR 2022, co-sponsored by Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, essentially brings Arizona law into conformance with Title 8 of the United States Code (Immigration and Naturalization), which regulates immigration into the U.S.

Federal law provides penalties for any illegal alien who:

1)Enters or attempts to enter the U.S. at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers;

2)Eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers; or

3)Attempts to enter/obtain entry into the U.S. by false representation.

The penalty for a Class 1 misdemeanor under Title 8 is up to six months in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. The presumptive term of incarceration for a Class 4 felony is two-and-a-half years and up to $150,000 in fines. The presumptive term of incarceration for a Class 2 felony is 5 years and up to $150,000 in fines.

Pearce's measure establishes the crime of being on any public or private land in Arizona while being in violation of federal immigration law and prescribes state penalties that match federal ones.

The House Judiciary Committee approved HCR 2022 this week. It now goes to the full House.

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