Immigration Debate Flares Up
Reported by: Mike McClanahan
Last Update: 5/30 6:25 pm

(Birmingham, AL) A recent protest in Phoenix is just the latest in a series of national demonstrations over Arizona's controversial new law which makes being in the country illegally a state crime. It authorizes Arizona law enforcement officers to ask anyone they suspect of being undocumented to prove that they are in this country legally.
Supporters say it's a justifiable state response to a lack of action from the federal government.
Some opponents say the law may violate citizens' civil rights. The Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama says it could have unintended consequences that reduce public safety.
"It erodes away at the trust that's developed between immigrants and the state and local law enforcement officers. That's something that's really important. Because in fighting crime, human trafficking, and those kinds of things, it's really important that law enforcement work with immigrants," said Jeremy Love, Legal Services Director, HICA. "If immigrants feel that they can trust law enforcement officers then more crimes will be reported. And that will allow the law enforcement officers to have the tools necessary to prosecute perpetrators of crimes."

Arizona is the flash point of the new debate, but the issue has also worked its way into campaign ads here in Alabama, with one suggesting that the state only give the driver's license exam in English. UAB political analyst Larry Powell says that proposal might be popular with some state voters, but could alienate others.
"Particularly the workers for three majors companies: Hyundai, Mercedes, and Honda," said Powell. "It's a double edged sword. Anything that you say on immigration aimed at clearing up problems with one group will create negative reactions from another."

This week U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services personnel will be in Birmingham for a free two-day public event to discuss a variety of topics including:
- How to become a U.S. citizen
- The new citizenship test
- Humanitarian visas for victims of human trafficking and crime
- How to make an appointment to see a USCIS officer in person
- Case status inquiries and more.

The Alabama Immigrant Customer Service and Information Conference will be at Boutwell Auditorium beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 2 and Thursday, June 3, 2010.
Boutwell Auditorium is located at 1930 8th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203.


There will also be sessions offered by a number of other agencies including: the Alabama Center for Immigrant Justice (ACIJ), the City of Birmingham, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Catholic Social Services (La Casita), the Chinese-American Business Association of Birmingham (CABAB), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Hispanic Immigrant Coalition of Alabama (HICA), and others.


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