In an effort to create greater employment opportunities for legal residents, Alabama’s GOP passed its toughest immigration bill after years and numerous legislative attempts. The law has been said to be more restrictive than Arizona, Georgia and South Carolina’s. Moreover, Alabama has received negative press and feedback from the business community, noting that the compliance and ancillary requirements enacted by the law are a burden on businesses and their foreign employees — painting a negative light on the state and hindering business attraction and expansion efforts.
For example, two foreign workers for the highly recruited Honda and Mercedes plants were stopped by police for failing to carry proof of legal residency. The cases were quickly dropped, but not without a great deal of international attention. As a result of unintended consequences, many of Alabama's GOP including the state's Governor and Attorney General, now want to revise portions of the law. The more controversial provisions are being challenged as part of a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit.
Unintended consequences of Alabama's immigration law: Policy disrupts economic development efforts
