Alabama Senate expected to take up immigration changes
9:18 AM, May. 16, 2012 |
Written by Dave Martin)
Associated Press

Opponents of Alabama's immigration bill watch the House action from the viewing balcony during the lawmakers session at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala., Thursday, April 19, 2012. The bill was the first issue on the House's work agenda for the day. The bill makes changes to the law that supporters and opponents have called the toughest crackdown on illegal immigration in the nation. The bill is being pushed by the Republican leadership in the House and Senate. It is mostly opposed by Democrats. Opponents say the new bill doesn't go far enough to address inequities in the immigration law, which they say encourages racial profiling by police officers. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
on law, which they say encourages racial profiling by police officers.

MONTGOMERY — As the Alabama Legislature's regular session draws to a close, the Senate is expected to take up a measure to tweak the state's toughest-in-the-nation immigration law.

The House passed the changes on April 19. They include clarifying that the law won't prevent religious groups from providing charity to illegal immigrants. They also stop schools from asking for the immigration status of students before they enroll.

Sen. Scott Beason of Gardendale says he hopes to introduce a substitute bill making fewer changes than the House version.

Groups calling for the outright repeal of the immigration law plan multiple protests at the Statehouse throughout the day. They will culminate in a vigil at 7 p.m.

Alabama Senate expected to take up immigration changes | The Montgomery Advertiser | montgomeryadvertiser.com