BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—On Thursday, September 1, at 5:30 p.m., thousands of people from around the country are expected to pour into downtown Birmingham’s Linn Park to protest what the New York Times called Sunday “the nation’s cruelest immigration law.” Rally sponsors have grave objections to the law:  It brings immigration enforcement into virtually every aspect of living — seeking work, going to school, obtaining health care, renting an apartment, entering into contracts, going to worship — for undocumented residents.

The law criminalizes the aid to the poor undocumented immigrants provided by faith communities, hospitals and non-profit organizations.  Violation of civil and constitutional rights and the huge price tag of enforcing the law are of great concern to rally sponsors.

 The goal of rally organizers is repeal of HB56, whether through the courts or the legislature.  Rev. Angie Wright, pastor of Beloved Community Church, said “This law takes us back to the dark days of the Fugitive Slave Act, Jim Crow, and segregation.  We plan to move our state forward to a time when Alabama’s residents, immigrants all, can live, work, worship, and go to school, without penalty and without fear.”

 Comprehensive federal immigration reform is the answer to what Scott Douglas of Greater Birmingham Ministries calls “balkanized” state-by-state immigration laws.  “Georgia may require one set of documents to prove legal status, while Alabama may require something different. Jails could be filled with lawfully present people who just didn’t have the right documents at the right time and place,” said Douglas.  “We’re looking at a patchwork of state laws that will leave everyone out in the cold.  It’s a nightmare for undocumented immigrants, law enforcement, and taxpayers.”

 The “Rally for Alabama’s Future:  Repeal HB 56” will be held on Thursday, September 1, 5:30 pm at Linn Park in front of Birmingham City Hall. Sponsors include: Alabama Appleseed, ,Hispanic Interest Coalition of AL, Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice, La Jefa 1500 1420 620 AM,

American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, Southeast Immigrant Rights Network, Beloved Community Church, Southern Poverty Law Center, Greater Birmingham Ministries, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Educational Fund, Mid-South District Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations.

“Dreamers” continue protest against Alabama immigration law

 At 1:30 p.m.Monday, August 29, 2011, U.S. District Judge Sharon Lovelace Blackburn announced a preliminary injunction for the anti-immigrant law, HB 56. Due to controversial aspects of the law, she indicated a need for more time to make a final decision.

“Her inability to make a final ruling at this time indicates how unconstitutional and unfounded this law is,” stated Karla Contreras, a member of Alabama DREAMers for the future. Among the many unconstitutional statues of the law, undocumented students and their parents would have to provide proof of citizenship in the U.S. in order to enroll in public education, directly contradicting the Supreme Court ruling Plyer vs. Doe which stated that all children must receive a free public education regardless of immigration status.

Undocumented youth in Alabama have been demonstrating outside of the courthouse through peaceful, daily vigils and are prepared to continue fighting against the passage of HB 56.  “We are thankful that the judge has ruled for a preliminary injunction of the law, and this further motivates us to continue organizing our community and spreading awareness of the injustice HB 56 would bring to the state of Alabama,” stated Everardo Villalvazo, a member of Alabama DREAMers for the future.

The judge will take time over the next month to look over the law and make a final decision on its constitutionality. “We hope that throughout the next month, Judge Blackburn will realize the negative impact this law would have on the state of Alabama and that her final decision is to block the law in its entirety,” stated Jose Cuicahua, member of Alabama DREAMers for the future.

Although Judge Blackburn’s temporary ruling is a step in the right direction, the Alabama community is still living with uncertainty. There will be press availability upon request