Protests against new Alabama immigration law

United States, 1st June: Sunday witnessed widespread protests against newly approved Alabama immigration law.

Opponents of the law showed their concerns with regard to the legislation hoping they would get justice in the form of changes to what they call a prejudiced law.

Widespread protests mark Alabama immigration changes--Members of HICA (Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama) organized a rally from the Capitol to the mansion of the Governor. They wanted to show their solidarity to revert Alabama immigration law. Hispanics feel the new Alabama immigration law is a direct attack on increasing number of Hispanic community.

Several other groups from Alabama including Dothan, Birmingham, Alexander City, Albertville and Clanton joined the march. Last week, the latest version of Alabama immigration law HB658 was signed adding to the fury of protestors.

They were particularly against the provision of Alabama immigration law requiring schools to collect immigrants’ information. And as per another provision, police will get authority to stop anyone suspected to be in the US unlawfully.

Law is discriminatory -So, the rally participants were calling for repealing HB 56(House Bill 56) signed by Alabama Governor Robert Bentley on 9th June, 2011 to make it a law.

They said they had a strong feeling that people were being discriminated based upon their skin color. And this is not needed in any US state including Alabama. They feared that the law would have a bad impact on the state and ultimately on the US economically.

Due to shortage of required number of workers for the farm jobs, fewer crops are being planted in many Alabama farms. And in the wake of shortage of workers,

Alabama will have fewer trees and plants. Revisions to the original Alabama immigration legislation were signed by Gov. Bentley on 18th May, 2012. It was done to amend the flaws in the law. While signing the changes to Alabama immigration law, Gov. Bentley said the motive was to make HB 56 more efficient.

And that’s what we did, affirmed Bentley, while referring to the changes. He aimed to change the provision regarding schools in Alabama.

As per Section 28 of HB 56, all Alabama public schools are required to verify immigration status of all students who have been newly enrolled.

"What do you think about it? Would the proposed changes to Alabama Immigration Law will be helpful for Alabama?

Let us know what you think in the comments.