Alabama's Immigration Law Sees Change, What Happens Now?

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By Tamika Bickham

Story Created: May 22, 2012 at 9:20 PM CDT

Story Updated: May 22, 2012 at 11:37 PM CDT

Now that the state's immigration law has been changed what happens to the court challenges? Are critics satisfied with the revisions?

Governor Robert Bentley signed the immigration bill into law just one year ago.

"It is a very tough bill, but it is also a very difficult problem that is facing us in this state today," said Governor Bentley.

Countless protests followed, along with lawsuits filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union, and the Department of Justice, claiming the law to be unconstitutional.

As it made it's way through the courts, several portions of the law were blocked prompting some changes to the law during this year's legislative session.

"Both bills addressed the problem of reasonable cause. You can't just stop someone arbitrarily. That particular provision in the original bill was causing a lot of law enforcement to refuse to enforce the law," said CBS 8 Political Analyst Steve Flowers, "They think they've made it more palatable and enforceable, but we'll see."

Flowers says the changes signed into law by Governor Bentley last week are now in effect, but the SPLC says that doesn't affect the lawsuits against it.

"We currently have an appeal in a federal appellate court in Atlanta," said Daniel Werner, SPLC Deputy Legal Director, "We are exploring what impact these changes in the law will have on that, but I think it's safe to say we are not going to stand by while Alabamians' constitutional rights are violated."

While lawmakers wait to see if it will pass the test of constitutionality, many continue to stand behind the law.

"You cannot set state policy based on what a few people want. The majority wants something done about illegal immigration. We have to look at the state long term," said State Senator Scott Beason.

Steve Flowers says much of what happens long term with Alabama's immigration law will depend upon the Supreme Court's ruling on Arizona's immigration law. That ruling is expected sometime in June.

Flowers also says court rulings made later this year will determine whether or not lawmakers will have to go back and make more changes to the law during next year's legislative session.
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