Judge won't expand Prop. 200 but Republican bill would End All Public Benefits to Immigrants

A judge threw out an attempt to add teeth to Arizona's Proposition 200 on Monday, just as the state House tentatively approved sweeping legislation to expand the measure's influence throughout the state. House Bill 2030 would deny undocumented immigrants the right to adopt children, live in public housing, take adult literacy courses and enroll in college, among other things. The bill faces a final vote in the House before it goes to the Senate. The legislation would go far beyond the legal interpretation of Proposition 200, the anti-illegal immigration measure approved by voters in November. Attorney General Terry Goddard has concluded that it would apply only to welfare benefits. Judge Barbara M. Jarrett upheld his interpretation by dismissing a court action brought by key supporters of Proposition 200 seeking an injunction against Goddard's interpretation. She said the supporters had not offered any specific case or controversy to illustrate their arguments and that Goddard's interpretation was not arbitrary. "They didn't have any facts together to show any violations," said Susan Segal, the assistant attorney general handling the case. In his opinion, Goddard concluded that undocumented immigrants could receive free school lunches, immunizations and library cards without being referred to immigration authorities. Randy Pullen, a key supporter of Proposition 200, challenged the definition in court. Pullen believes Proposition 200 should apply to an assortment of public benefits, such as public housing, food assistance, college education and employment benefits. [more]