Children’s Action Alliance Supports Pro-Immigrant Legislation
Children’s Action Alliance applauds Governor Ducey and legislative leaders for listening to constituents and stakeholders by pulling the harmful “sanctuary city” bills last week.
Today, nearly one in seven Arizonans were born outside the United States, and one in four children are growing up with at least one immigrant parent1. Immigrants make up a vital, educated, and skilled share of Arizona’s economy with more than 16 percent as business owners2.
As workers, business owners, taxpayers, homeowners, and neighbors, immigrants are integral to Arizona’s diverse communities and make contributions that benefit us all. We believe that families and communities across our state are strongest when everyone has an opportunity to participate in the economy.
Therefore, the legislature should be committed to policy solutions that remove barriers to opportunities for all Arizonans including:
- Joining the twenty-one states and D.C. that have adopted inclusive “tuition equity” laws and policies enabling all students to have access to higher education by allowing all Arizona high school students; regardless of immigration status, to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities.
- Expanding access to health coverage to all children regardless of immigration status, can lead to better long-term health outcomes, greater high school and college completion, and long-term economic benefits for the child and local communities.
- Allowing immigrants who are undocumented to obtain driver’s licenses. This will help immigrants have better access to jobs and improve public safety.
Sources: (1)U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2018 1-year estimates. (2)Fiscal Policy Institute analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2015 4-year estimates, IPUMS and 1-year estimates.
