Alabama Senate plans reforms to tough immigration law

United States, 26th April: Alabama’s tougher immigration law is undergoing reforms following a bill passed in a Senate committee of the state Wednesday.

However, the sponsor of this immigration bill, Sen. Scott Beason(R Gardendale) argued overhauling of Alabama immigration law by the state senate will make the law weaker.

Changes proposed to toughest US immigration law--A public hearing is scheduled 4 pm today with regard to the reforms proposed to HB-56, the name by which Alabama immigration law is generally known. Proposals for changes to Alabama immigration law come following concerns expressed by several political leaders and business groups.

According to Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh(R-Anniston), the bill is, undoubtedly, headed for a change. The bill is being argued to be the toughest immigration law of the US.

Last year, petitions in the federal courts put on freeze several provisions of the law.

Hammon’s version of the bill--Following this, Republican Rep. Micky Hammon (House sponsor) Decatur, came forward with a bill for making reforms. It seeks to end long queues at courthouses by providing clarification that people will be required to provide a proof of their US legal residency for getting a car tag or buying a business license for the first time and not for renewal purposes.

As per Hammon’s version of the bill, the original ruling should be expanded by giving jurisdiction to the police officials ticketing or arresting any driver to also ask for the passengers’ legal status provided the officials get suspicious of their unlawful status. The Senate Judiciary Committee deleted this provision due to legal issues.

An addition by the committee was disallowing school authorities verifying immigration status or birth place of parents from children.

Hammon said the reforms will make things simpler for US citizens. Hence, these must be implemented at the earliest, he requested the committee. Marsh stated that time was passing by quickly and the changes must be implemented at the earliest to make the bill stronger.

Alabama immigration law disastrous-- Critics allege--Meanwhile, several critics including ACIJ(Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice) are seeking a repeal of what they call as the most ‘disastrous law’.

According to executive director of the ACLU and a member of the Steering Committee of ACIJ, Olivia Turner said the law needs a detailed analysis to cure underlying deficiencies. The ACIJ said senators are rushing the HB56 through the system.