Alabama’s anti-immigrant bill HB 56, passed in 2011, was a mean-spirited law that caused many families to flee the state. The law was eventually overturned by federal courts but some provisions still remain, such as a ban on undocumented students attending public institutions of higher education. A recent effort to alter this ban stalled in the Senate due to certain requirements related to applying for citizenship.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, aimed to allow undocumented students who have applied for legal status to attend public colleges or universities. Despite being a reasonable approach to workforce development, it is unlikely to have a significant impact due to the lengthy and cumbersome process of applying for legal status in the United States.
The article argues for a full repudiation of HB 56 and calls for a more inclusive approach towards immigrants in Alabama. It suggests policies that would allow immigrants to build lives in the state, including access to professional licenses, driver’s licenses, and legal resources. The article emphasizes the need to view immigrants as potential future residents instead of threats, given Alabama’s aging population, declining rural areas, and low workforce participation rate.
The author, Brian Lyman, advocates for a more welcoming approach to immigrants as the way to move on from the legacy of HB 56 and attract people of good faith to the state. He emphasizes the importance of tearing up harmful laws and embracing immigrants to build a more inclusive and prosperous future for Alabama.
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