The most important immigration news these past few weeks was not that Alabama and Georgia, following the unfortunate lead of Arizona, had passed extreme, racist anti-immigration laws. The most important news is that the tide is beginning to turn. Continue »
The state of Alabama enacted the country's toughest anti-immigrant law this week. Even in the 21st century, this southern state apparently remains faithful to its controversial history of discrimination, in which someone's appearance and the color of their skin are enough reason for them to become suspects in the... Continue »
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) signed into law a new "papers, please" immigration bill that is a new low point for state-based immigration policy, an unfortunate reminder of Alabama and the South's tortured racial history, and another wake-up call to Washington to fix the broken immigration system. Continue »
Alabama set a new national standard for get-tough immigration policy Thursday with Gov. Robert J. Bentley's signing of a law that surpasses Arizona's SB 1070, with provisions affecting law enforcement, transportation, apartment rentals, employment and education. Continue »
Opponents of Alabama's sweeping new illegal immigration law said Thursday it will create a new civil rights struggle in a state already notorious for using the law to discriminate against minority residents. Continue »
A new law in Alabama authorizes police to stop and demand identification from anyone who looks like a possible illegal immigrant. The law also orders public schools to check the immigration status of their students. In Georgia, a new law cracks down on employers who evade federal requirements that... Continue »
Fearful she will be deported and separated from her two young sons, Vilma Baltazar steeled her family for a long journey from her small apartment in Chamblee back to her native country, Guatemala. The single mother is one of many illegal immigrants in metro Atlanta who say they... Continue »
Last month, Georgia passed one of the harshest new immigration laws in the country. Today, the AJC reports that nearly half of the 132 Georgia businesses polled in a private survey this month say they are experiencing agricultural labor shortages. Continue »
Nearly half of the 132 Georgia businesses polled in a private survey this month say they are experiencing agricultural labor shortages. And of those who reported shortages to the Georgia Agribusiness Council, more than a third said immigrants are concerned about the state's new anti-illegal immigration law. Continue »
Gov. Rick Perry added immigration legislation to the special session's agenda on Tuesday, including a measure that would remove local law enforcement agencies' ability to make immigration violations a lower priority. Continue »