Ariz. Lawmakers Hope to Start State-Run Temporary Worker Plan

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.

Proponents say the package of proposals was needed because Congress has failed to overhaul America’s broken immigration system. The Arizona plan would need the approval of Congress.

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

An approved foreign worker would get an ID card valid for two years and could travel to and from Mexico through ports of entry in Arizona. They would be prohibited from traveling to other American states.

Criminal background checks would be required of the foreign workers, who would be disqualified if they were convicted of U.S. crimes or Mexican violations that would be felonies in this country.