Arizona Governor Signs Anti- immigration initiative to allow for federal review

Gov. Janet Napolitano, who was on the road, had an aide use a signature machine Wednesday to sign a voter-approved immigration initiative after a judge modified his previous order barring it from taking effect.The measure, approved by voters Nov. 2, requires proof of legal immigration status when obtaining some government services and proof of citizenship when registering to vote. Government workers who don't report illegal immigrants who try to get benefits could face jail time and a fine. The revised order issued by the judge Tuesday and Napolitano's signature will allow the initiative's voting provisions to be submitted for a required federal review.  Because of past violations of minorities' voting rights, Arizona is required to get U.S. Justice Department approval on any election law changes before they can take effect. U.S. District Judge David C. Bury's modified order allowed Napolitano to sign the proclamation putting the initiative into effect, but it still prohibits implementation of it provisions on public services pending a Dec. 22 hearing in Tucson. Bury issued a temporary restraining order Nov. 30 barring implementation of the law based on a legal challenge from opponents. Opponents said Proposition 200 is unconstitutional because it usurps the federal government's power over immigration and naturalization. Their lawsuit argues that the law will jeopardize families who depend on public benefits for basic necessities. Bury modified his order in response to a request filed by the Attorney General's Office on Napolitano's behalf. The state argued that Napolitano had a constitutional duty to sign the proclamation "forthwith" and that the voting provisions were not the subject of the opponents' request for a temporary restraining order. [more] and  [more]