The state's economy will be hampered by the large scale loss of workers. While wages may rise, that means the price of services will definitely be higher. Businesses, especially small ones that rely on those workers, will have a hard time expanding. They also lose out on sales-tax revenue and even property-tax revenue. Also, it's not only a question of illegal immigrants, Arizona reps are concerned that legal immigrants and U.S. citizens (mainly Hispanics) might also leave the state.

Early studies in California and in the Southwest and in the Southeast have come to the same conclusions. Immigrants, documented and undocumented, are more likely to pay taxes than they are to use public services. Illegal immigrants aren't eligible for most public services and live in fear of revealing themselves to government authorities. Households headed by undocumented immigrants use less than half the amount of federal services that households headed by documented immigrants or citizens make use of.



Well, first of all, I seriously doubt 80% of the country support it - I have not seen any poll numbers that say that. If this law is so popular nationally as you say, then why has so few front-running republican candidates embraced the new law?

Considering Latino/Hispanics are the largest minority group, largest growing demographic, and largest growing voting bloc in America. It's fair to say that most latino/hispanic Americans are upset about the law. It's very likely (considering I was just reading about it this morning) that there will be boycotts from groups, business, and individuals. If a boycott is so unlikely, then why are Arizona tourism officials are taking steps at damage control? Heck, just ask the The Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association, they're certainly concerned. Tourism is a lucrative industry in Arizona, the state hosted more than 37 million domestic and international visitors in 2008.

Now I'm just saying what's happening and potential consequences that might happen. My personal feelings on this, let me be clear, I think it's unfair for a business in a state to be punished for what a state government does, it's not like they had anything to do with the new law, so taking out any ire on them is really unfair. But this is a really emotional issue for certain groups. Which is why on a national level, neither Republicans nor Democrats really want to address this issue. It is too emotional, people have a visceral connection to their position and it will be too hard to educate the people to the truths of the situation.