Days after Ariz. law passed, some illegal immigrants plan to leave, saying work has dried up

Illegal immigrants plan to leave over Ariz. law

PHOENIX — Arizona’s new sweeping immigration law has got many day laborers saying that they’re going to leave the state.

The law is slated to take effect in the summer, and allows police to arrest illegal immigrant day laborers looking for work on the street and anyone who hires them.

Some day laborers say they already see a difference in fewer job prospects and are considering going to neighboring states.

That’s exactly what the law’s supporters want. They hope their departure will help dismantle part of the underground economy here and create jobs for thousands of legal residents.

Federal data shows an estimated 100,000 illegal immigrants have left Arizona in the past two years as it cracked down on illegal immigration and its economy soured.