Prison Economics Help Drive Ariz. Immigration Law : NPR

A National Public Radio report explores the roots of the infamous Arizona SB 1070 law, which is one of the most extremist anti-immigrant laws in the nation. The report finds that the law has its origins and was driven by the private prison industry, which saw the potential incarceration of undocumented immigrants as a lucrative opportunity.

A fundamental role in this process was played by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which includes powerful corporations like Reynolds American, Exxon, and includes Corrections Corporation of America, "the largest private prison company in the country". Among the members is also Arizona State senator Russell Pearce, who introduced the bill.

Funding was channeled to the campaign and to supportive legislators.

The report can be found here:


Prison Economics Help Drive Ariz. Immigration Law : NPR