Illegal immigrant hiring law upheld

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the state’s tough new law penalizing or even closing businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants. Under the law, which took effect early this year, business licenses can be suspended or revoked.

The measure is considered the strongest in the nation against employing illegal immigrants. Businesses and immigrant rights groups challenged it, arguing that it intrudes on the federal government’s right to regulate immigration.

The three-judge panel disagreed. But no one has been prosecuted under the law; the judges said they would consider challenges if enforcement raised additional issues.