Arizona Official Pays Nanny Fine

Arizona Atty. Gen. Grant Woods has paid a $1,400 civil fine to the Immigration and Naturalization Service for his hiring of an illegal immigrant as a nanny for his children.

Woods acknowledged the 1988 hiring but said he did not realize then that a 1986 federal law that prohibits the hiring of illegal immigrants applies to nannies.

He also said Thursday that his only regret was not helping the British national gain legal residency sooner. The woman, Alison Basher, gained legal residency in this country in December.

“According to their (INS) rules, I should have just kicked her out,” Woods said. “Here’s the bottom line: I made what I thought was a responsible decision. She’s a great person.”

Woods also said he did not withhold Social Security or unemployment taxes for the nanny, who, he said, was an independent contractor, not an employee.

Woods said he was reviewing records for Basher and other workers he has employed over the years. He vowed to make any payments owed if federal or state requirements were not met.