February 22nd, 2012
Posted in 
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – After Alabama’s strict anti-illegal immigration law went into effect in September, Hispanic families began pulling their kids out of school, closing their shops and even left the state, however, it seems as though some of those immigrants that fled the state are now coming back.
“Little by little, it’s been calming down,” said Gabby Sullivan, a legal immigrant from Mexico who helps local groups in Robertsdale.
Legislators had made promises to adjust some provisions of the law and a hearing has been set for March 1, however, some immigrants in the state are still living “with one foot out of the state, ready to flee for good,” according to Sullivan.
The law, known as HB 56, has scared illegal immigrants into hiding even more. Immigrant workers are trying to hide from police, who have been authorized to check the immigration status of anyone they stop for regular traffic violations if they appear suspicious in any way.
“People are still afraid to go out,” said Evelyn Servin, director of the North Alabama Hispanic Coalition for Equal Rights. “Many of them go grocery shopping at night when they can’t be seen in their cars. A lot of them are just staying home and not going anywhere.”
Although federal courts blocked some of the provisions of the law, U.S. District Judge Sharon Blackburn in Birmingham allowed the police enforcement provision to go into effect, unlike in other states that have passed similar laws.
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley is currently working with legislators to alter some aspects of the law but it doesn’t appear as though the major portions will be affected.
Anyone currently living in the United States who needs assistance with any immigration-based issue is encouraged to turn to an immigration lawyer for help. Immigration attorneys take care of matters including applying for legal status, family reunification and even criminal charges, so you and your loved ones can continue to reside in the U.S.
Immigration lawyers know it is difficult to come forward, so they always make themselves available to offer clients advice and support. They handle all aspects of the case, from paperwork to phone calls, so you won’t have anything to worry about.
Contact a top immigration attorney today to get started on your case.
Tags: Alabama Gov, Family Reunification, Hispanic Families, Illegal Immigrants, Illegal Immigration, Immig, Immigrant Workers, Immigration Attorneys, Immigration Law, Immigration Lawyer, Immigration Status, Legal Immigrant, Living In The United States, North Alabama, Police Enforcement, Robert Bentley, Servin, Sharon Blackburn, Staying Home, Traffic Violations