Economists Predict Alabama’s New Immigration Law Will Harm the State’s Economy

While supporters of Alabama’s new restrictive immigration enforcement legislation believe it is ultimately a jobs creation program for U.S. citizens, many economic advisers are now publicly stating that the law will harm the state’s economic health. The law, which is scheduled to take effect September 1, 2011, will, according to key economists, put the stigma of the 1960s back on Alabama.

According to the U.S Census Bureau, up to 54,000 Hispanics work in Alabama, about 2.7 percent of the state’s total workforce. The majority of Hispanics work in construction, manufacturing and production. It is feared that Alabama will feel the same negative consequences that other states with restrictive legislation's (such as Arizona) have felt. With an already weakened economy, many economists fear the blow back from this law will have grave consequences.

Spotlight on US Immigration as Senate Holds First DREAM Act Hearing

Many White House officials are pushing for US immigration reform as the DREAM Act receives its first United States Senate hearing.

The DREAM (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) Act would be a huge step for supporters of US immigration reform as it would make it possible for people brought illegally into the United States as children to apply for American citizenship after spending several years in the country and completing two years of either college or military service.

While earlier attempts to pass the DREAM Act have failed, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Security Secretary Janet Napolitano are pushing again for it to be passed. They are placing an emphasis on the economic benefits of the Act, citing a Congressional Budget office report that states the Act would generate an extra $1.4 billion in government revenue.

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