Alabama lawmakers to revisit immigration law after Supreme Court decision

State lawmakers are waiting for the Supreme Court to make a final decision on Arizona’s immigration law, the model for Alabama’s law before they make any changes to the legislation.

In some respects, the Alabama law is tougher than Arizona’s law and is currently tied up in lower courts because of key provisions. Illegal immigrants who haven’t gotten a green card or a work visa are subjected to stops and detention by police if they are suspected of being in the state illegally. This provision is also in the Arizona law, which the Supreme Court signaled support for last week, despite the objections of civil-rights activists and Alabama immigration attorneys.

Also under Alabama’s law, an illegal immigrant is not allowed to attend state colleges or universities without the correct visa or citizenship. The law originally contained a provision that would require elementary, middle and high schools to report the legal status of students but has since been dropped.

Illegal immigrants who reside in the state and have not are not allowed to receive any public assistance. The law also makes it illegal for anyone to assist or harbor an illegal immigrant. This emphasizes the importance or hiring an Alabama immigration lawyer.  

State lawmakers want to keep many of these key provisions intact, but are awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court on Arizona’s law before making any changes to the current legislation.

Farmers and business owners, who rely on migrant workers, would like to see the law changed. While an immigration attorney can get temporary work visas for a migrant worker, many chose to enter the country illegally.

Becoming a naturalized citizen, obtaining a HB 1 visa or green card is the best way to avoid deportation. An Alabama work visa lawyer can help an immigrant navigate the complicated immigration system and enjoy being an American citizen.