Panel approves changes to Alabama immigration bill

United States, 19th April: Revisions to Alabama immigration law have been given approval by a House committee.

The bill got 6-3 votes by the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. However, it is being alleged that the tough Alabama immigration law might encourage racial discrimination. A debate is expected by the full House of Representatives on the bill today.

Alabama immigration reforms tougher on lawbreakers--According to sponsor of the bill Representative Micky Hammon, R-Decatur, reforms to Alabama immigration law will make the original intention of the law more clearer while adding strength to the immigration rules.

On the other hand, latest Alabama immigration reforms will help in making the law less chaotic for those living in the state as legal residents.

It will have simpler verification system for getting public services and benefits. Moreover, they will also offer clear guidelines for effective law enforcement, Hammon affirmed. The new changes under House Bill 658 will aim to deal firmly with lawbreakers while making it easier for private citizens as well as businesses, Hammon added. it will have tougher penalties for any violation of undocumented immigration laws.

HB 56—Named as HB 56, Alabama immigration law was signed in June 2011 by Governor Robert Bentley. The law states that undocumented immigrants cannot work or sign any contracts. Moreover, the law also states living as an undocumented immigrant in Alabama to be crime.

According to the terms of Alabama immigration law, police officials are authorized to detain anyone found to be reasonably suspicious of staying in the nation unlawfully. In addition, it further prohibits various governmental bodies wanting to enter into contracts with immigrants living unlawfully in the state.

Any business found to be knowingly employing undocumented immigrants in Alabama is liable for non-criminal penalties.

Revisions necessary to make Alabama immigration law effective--This anti-immigration bill approved last year had invited wrath and criticism from far and wide. Several Latino activists, religious organizations and civil rights groups spoke against the law.

Some provisions of the immigration law were eliminated in US federal court. Hence, several Republican leaders, Governor Bentley and Hammon considered recent revisions as mandatory for making the immigration law stronger and supportable.