More than 500 people gathered at the Arizona Capitol while others stayed away from their jobs to protest state laws and proposals that they say make life difficult for illegal immigrants.

The work boycott on May 10 affected some businesses in the Phoenix area, including restaurants that either shut down or offered limited fare because of staff shortages. It wasn’t known how many business were involved.

“We don’t want to break anybody’s back,” said boycott organizer Elias Bermudez. “We want to make sure that if the sales went down 10 per cent or 15 per cent, that means that there can be consequences if we continue to have, unfortunately, these type of laws against us and against the poor people.”

But Mr. Bermudez said he doubts the boycott will change the minds of lawmakers who support anti-immigrant proposals.

Arizona lawmakers are considering a proposal to prohibit illegal immigrants from attending adult education classes, receiving childcare assistance and having in-state tuition status at public universities. Another bill would bar local governments from putting taxpayer money into day labor centers that help illegal immigrants find work.

On May 9, Governor Napolitano vetoed a bill that would have made English the state’s official language and required that government functions be conducted in English.

The bills follow a ballot initiative approved by voters in November that requires proof of immigration status when obtaining certain government services and proof of citizenship when registering to vote.

The ballot measure was aimed at cutting back on illegal immigration in Arizona, the busiest illegal entry point on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Mr. Bermudez said Americans have essentially invited immigrants into the country by offering them construction, agricultural and service industry jobs in the state.

“Every time you allow somebody to mow your lawn and you don’t ask for papers, you have invited them,” Mr. Bermudez said. “Every time you allow somebody to bus your table, you have invited them.”

Associated Press Writer Sandy Yang contributed to this report.

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