PHOENIX-Credit unions in this state do not expect to be directly affected by the hot-button immigration law that is to go into effect in mid-August, but there are broader concerns over how the bill will affect all businesses.
"The intent of the immigration law is really not directed toward credit unions, so we don't see a great effect on our member credit unions," said Austin De Bey, VP-government affairs with the Arizona CU League. "There are some uncertainties and business concerns related to the new law, so we are working with Chambers of Commerce and other groups to determine how it will affect business in general in Arizona."
The law, signed by Gov. Jan Brewer on April 23, has several provisions, including requiring police to check the immigration status of each person arrested, and making it a state crime for unauthorized aliens to work or seek work.
Critics of the law say it will lead to racial profiling. The Arizona legislature added an amendment that prohibits police from using race to establish reasonable suspicion if someone is in the U.S. illegally.
"A companion bill was passed a week later that took out a lot of the controversial aspects, but the controversy was already done," De Bey said.
