Alabama's Immigration Law

A few days ago, I came across this editorial in The New York Times about Alabama’s newest immigration law. Four religious leaders, including Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile and Bishop Robert J. Baker of Birmingham in Alabama, have sued to stop this law.

Here is an excerpt:

The law, which takes effect Sept. 1, is so inhumane that four Alabama church leaders — an Episcopal bishop, a Methodist bishop and a Roman Catholic archbishop and bishop — have sued to block it, saying it criminalizes acts of Christian compassion. It is a sweeping attempt to terrorize undocumented immigrants in every aspect of their lives, and to make potential criminals of anyone who may work or live with them or show them kindness.

It effectively makes it a crime to be an undocumented immigrant in Alabama, by criminalizing working, renting a home and failing to comply with federal registration laws that are largely obsolete. It nullifies any contracts when one party is an undocumented immigrant. It requires the police to check the papers of people they suspect to be here illegally.

You can read the whole editorial here.