Alabama's new immigration law known as HB-56, which was recently upheld by a federal judge, is starting to have an economic and social impact in the state.
Representatives of the agricultural and construction industries say they are losing a significant portion of their work force.
Many are also concerned about the effects the law will have on many Alabama children. Local officials have warned that thousands of children here legally could be left in limbo because of the new law.
"Worst-case scenario for us would be if we had a large number of children who were suddenly dependent and had no relatives who were able and willing to take care of them. And that possibly could happen if the parents were arrested or deported suddenly," said Jerry Groce, director of Human Resources of Franklin County, Ala.
Reports say schools are also voicing concern. They're now required to check the immigration status of prospective students, and, already, absentee rates are rising among Hispanic students.
Quotes
"It wouldn't have been necessary to address this problem if the federal government would have done its job and enforced the laws dealing with this problem." - Gov. Robert Bentley, R-Ala.
"Worst-case scenario for us would be if we had a large number of children who were suddenly dependent and had no relatives who were able and willing to take care of them. And that possibly could happen if the parents were arrested or deported suddenly." -Jerry Groce, director of Human Resources, Franklin County, Ala.
Warm Up Questions
1. What is an immigrant?
2. What is an illegal immigrant?
3. What is an immigration law?
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you people from other countries move to the United States?
2. What opportunities exist for immigrants here?
3. What hardships do immigrants face in a new country such as the United States?
4. Why do you think immigration laws such as the one in Alabama are being passed? Do you agree with the law? Why or why not?
5. Do you think young people should be excluded from the law?
6. What is an absentee rate? Why do you think absentee rates among Hispanic students are on the rise in Alabama?
Additional Resources
School Provision in Alabama Immigration Law Forces Families to Move
Alabama's Immigration Law: Radical or Within Reason?
New Alabama Immigration Law Tougher Than Arizona's SB-1070 Measure
