Immigration Law May Soon Change

By: Hollie Thrasher
waatv.com

Huntsville, AL- There's no shortage of opinions when it comes to illegal immigration, and the law aimed at curtailing it in Alabama.

"They get free medical treatment by going to, for example, any of the hospitals here in Huntsville and are treated free. Well it’s free for them but it's out of the tax payers’ pocket," says Victor Nieves.

Now, the bill is being tweaked. Some of the changes make the bill tougher, other changes soften it somewhat.

For example, police can now check the status of any person in a vehicle they pull over. The way the law reads now - they can only check the status of the driver. But not all immigrants are concerned.

"It don't make me nervous,” says Roberto, an immigrant.

He has lived in Alabama illegally for 10 years and says he does not fear deportation.

"You'll be deported just if you got a DUI or you sell some drugs you be deported.”

Unlike many other immigrants and their families, Roberto didn't leave when the law went into effect last fall, and doesn't plan to leave now.

"I like it here," he explained.

Another change, landlords will not be arrested for renting to illegal immigrants but groups can be prosecuted for harboring them. A step, Nieves says, in the right direction.

"I’m in support of it I sure am. I mean someone has got to do it the Federal government doesn't want to do it.”

The bill will now go to the House floor for consideration.

source: Immigration Law May Soon Change - WAAYTV.com- Huntsville, Alabama Television - News Weather Sports