Will Alabama’s new immigration law send nervous families across border to Georgia schools?

ajc.com
by Maureen Downey
10:59 am October 4, 2011

I am getting a lot of e-mails on Alabama’s new immigration law because of its implications for Georgia schools. The new law mandates that Alabama public schools collect information on the immigration status of students and their parents when they enroll, but does not deny the kids access to school.

The law had been delayed because of legal challenges, but U.S. District Judge Sharon Blackburn decreed last week that major portions of the law could to go into effect, setting off a national furor in immigration policy.

But closer to home, there are practical questions.

A Georgia teacher on the Alabama line sent me this note after reading news stories that immigrant families may leave Alabama because of the law and fears for their children’s education: “I have to wonder where they will go and, since we are next door neighbors so to speak, whether it will have any impact on Hispanic enrollments in Georgia’s schools. I’m hesitant to start this discussion on the blog, due to the palpable dislike of immigrants posted by some here. Yet, I believe the potential implications of this exodus deserves consideration.â€