Immigration reform comes to Alabama as lawmakers consider sweeping changes
As federal officials renew their focus on strict enforcement of immigration laws and deportations, Alabama lawmakers are advancing their own sweeping changes to the legal landscape. Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, a Republican from Rainsville, emphasized the need for these changes, blaming the previous administration’s open border policies for the disastrous impact on the state of Alabama.
One of the key legislative entries is a bill introduced by state Rep. Chip Brown, a Republican from Bayou la Batre, that seeks to impose enhanced penalties for illegal immigrants who commit crimes against minors. This bill aims to address the safety and well-being of children in the state.
In another move, GOP state Rep. Jennifer Fidler from Baldwin County introduced a bill that mirrors efforts in other states like Pennsylvania. This bill proposes a 4% fee on outbound international money transfers, with the proceeds intended to help communities affected by the illegal immigration crisis. Fidler highlighted the issue of illegal immigrants sending their earnings out of the country, including to criminal organizations that facilitated their entry into the United States.
Alabama, like many other states, has been grappling with the challenges posed by illegal immigration. Ledbetter pointed out that English-as-Second-Language programs in schools have been stretched thin, while housing in both rural and urban areas has become more difficult to secure due to the influx of illegal immigrants. Ledbetter stressed the importance of taking action to secure Alabama’s border, especially in light of President Trump’s efforts to strengthen border security.
Cities like Sylacauga have experienced firsthand the impact of the illegal immigration crisis. State leaders demanded answers from the Biden administration after a city council meeting erupted over an influx of Haitian migrants. State Rep. Benjamin Robbins from Sylacauga is pushing for legislation mandating the use of E-Verify, a system that verifies the employment eligibility of workers.
Another bill introduced by state Rep. Ernie Yarbrough would grant state and county police the authority to hold and transfer illegal immigrants to federal authorities. This bill also empowers Attorney General Steve Marshall to report agencies that do not comply with the law and directs timely adherence to federal ICE detainer requests.
Overall, the state Senate has passed a trio of immigration-related bills, including measures to collect DNA from illegal immigrants and crack down on migrants or illegal immigrants using out-of-state driver’s licenses. These legislative efforts underscore Alabama’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration.
