Alabama Republicans Push Immigration Bills Ahead of Legislative Deadline
As the 2025 legislative session nears its conclusion, Alabama Republicans are prioritizing bills aimed at combating illegal immigration and reinforcing policies established during the Trump administration. Multiple bills have been proposed and are poised for voting, with House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter expressing hope for swift approvals in the upcoming days.
The legislature has two voting days scheduled this week and a final session next week. Ledbetter stated, “Our members have put a lot of work into those bills, so I hope to get as many out as possible.” Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger echoed this sentiment, asserting confidence in a coordinated effort between the chambers to finalize immigration measures before adjournment.
Among the key proposals, Senate Bill 53 aims to criminalize human smuggling of undocumented immigrants, while Senate Bill 63 mandates law enforcement agencies to fingerprint and collect DNA from undocumented individuals in custody. Both bills have received amendments to include exemptions for certain situations, such as healthcare and charitable purposes.
Additional proposals include Senate Bill 55, which seeks to invalidate out-of-state driver’s licenses issued without proof of legal status, and Senate Bill 62, which restricts the use of licenses from the Alabama Department of Conservation as identification. Meanwhile, legislative efforts to impose fees on foreign wire transfers are in flux, with one House bill recently modified to require more reporting from transfer companies instead.
Several other bills are on the brink of passage, including House Bill 302, which would require labor brokers to use the federal E-Verify program, and House Bill 3, which enhances penalties for undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes against minors.
As the session winds down, lawmakers remain optimistic about advancing a comprehensive package that aligns with federal immigration efforts.
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