New US immigration law may make life miserable for illegal immigrants
The Federal government intervened and amended the super-strict Arizona immigration law before it passed last summer removing the parts of the law that unfairly targeted minorities living in the state. Initially, the law gave power to law enforcement that would allow them to stop someone who looked “illegal” and ask for immigration status.
Now, the State of Alabama has passed a similar law that targets illegal immigrants living in the state and is set to take effect on September 1st. The law is considered the toughest immigration law in the country and will essentially make the lives of illegal immigrants living in Alabama miserable.
United States citizens would break the law if they help an illegal immigrant in Alabama
The law not only punishes illegal immigrants, but punishes United States citizens who knowingly help illegal immigrants. It makes it illegal to hire them, rent to them or even give them a ride. Schools will be mandated to check the status of the students and report illegal immigrants. Ministries and charitable organizations will also be breaking the law if they give illegal immigrants food, housing assistance or transportation.
This law and not only its effects on illegal immigrants but the effects on United States citizens makes it clear how necessary it is to provide illegal immigrants with a path to citizenship in the United States and prioritize United States visa reform.