When Arizona passed an immigration law that allowed law enforcement agents to stop, search and detain anyone who they believed may have been in the country illegal, Hispanic residents and civil rights activists said that it was discriminatory. Soon after, the federal government filed a lawsuit against the state of Arizona and the law was eradicated. Undeterred, Alabama lawmakers have recently passed a nearly identical immigration law.
In Alabama, police can hold civilians indefinitely under the “reasonable suspicion” ruling. Legally, this can be interpreted as giving law enforcement the power to violate the civil rights of persons with accents, wearing certain attire or anyone who appears to be from a particular racial group. The law was passed by the majority Republican Alabama Senate as well as the Alabama House.
In addition to the new stop and seizure ruling, illegal immigrants have virtually no right to further their education past high school. The measure stopped short of banning the children of illegal aliens from attending public schools. Bill H.B. 56 also forces all immigrant children to divulge their immigration status. This information can legally be used to deport their parents and other relatives if it is found that they are in the country illegally.
Though the federal government did not overturn Arizona’s immigration law immediately, the move by Alabama lawmakers will likely be dealt with in a move swift manner. Laws that are passed by state lawmakers who know that they are violating the civil rights of any persons residing in the United States are subject to being overruled.
Recent Comments