Alabama immigration policies may change

Late last year, we posted about Alabama’s changing immigration laws. Many claimed these laws were the toughest in the country, and remain opposed. Now, the state may revise these policies, revisiting areas that some found to be an attack on human rights and civil liberties. The new bill would, according to a New York Times article, “remove a requirement that public schools check the residency of new students and that illegal immigrants be barred from public colleges.” Other controversial aspects will also be considered.

While many states have sought new immigration policies because of slow federal changes, Alabama’s policies have faced legal issues from the federal government. Later this month, the constitutionality of the state’s immigration laws will go before the U.S. Supreme Court. As a result, other states are becoming more cautious about their own policy changes.

Click here to access the New York Times article, and here for a Reuters interview about the role the federal government plays in state immigration policies.