Will Alabama’s new immigration law send nervous families across border to Georgia schools?
Children play soccer in the Kilpatrick neighborhood of Albertville, Ala. After a federal judge upheld most provisions of a strict immigration-enforcement law in Alabama, some frightened immigrants began moving out of in the northern region of the state. (Josh Anderson/The New York Times)
I am getting a lot of e-mails on Alabama’s new immigration law because of its implications for Georgia schools. The new law mandates that Alabama public schools collect information on the immigration status of students and their parents when they enroll, but does not deny the kids access to school.
The law had been delayed because of legal challenges, but U.S. District Judge Sharon Blackburn decreed last week that major portions of the law could to go into effect, setting off a national furor in immigration policy.
But closer to home, there are practical questions.
A Georgia teacher on the Alabama line sent me this note after reading news stories that immigrant families may leave Alabama because of the law and fears for their children’s education: “I have to wonder where they will go and, since we are next door neighbors so to speak, whether it will have any impact on Hispanic enrollments in Georgia’s schools. I’m hesitant to start this discussion on the blog, due to the palpable dislike of immigrants posted by some here. Yet, I believe the potential implications of this exodus deserves consideration.”
The AP reported:
Education officials say scores of immigrant families have withdrawn their children from classes or kept them home last week, afraid that sending the kids to school would draw attention from authorities.Hispanic students have started vanishing from Alabama public schools in the wake of a court ruling that upheld the state’s tough new law cracking down on illegal immigration. There are no precise statewide numbers. But several districts with large immigrant enrollments — from small towns to large urban districts — reported a sudden exodus of children of Hispanic parents, some of whom told officials they would leave the state to avoid trouble with the law, which requires schools to check students’ immigration status. The anxiety has become so intense that the superintendent in one of the state’s largest cities, Huntsville, went on a Spanish-language television show Thursday to try to calm widespread worries.
“In the case of this law, our students do not have anything to fear, ” Casey Wardynski said in halting Spanish. He urged families to send students to class and explained that the state is only trying to compile statistics. Police, he insisted, were not getting involved in schools.
In Montgomery County, more than 200 Hispanic students were absent the morning after the judge’s Wednesday ruling. A handful withdrew. In tiny Albertville, 35 students withdrew in one day. And about 20 students in Shelby County, in suburban Birmingham, either withdrew or told teachers they were leaving.
On its editorial pages, The New York Times wrote, “That rule is part of the law’s sweeping attempt to curtail the rights and complicate the lives of people without papers, making them unable to enter contracts, find jobs, rent homes or access government services. In other words, to be isolated, unemployable, poor, defenseless and uneducated. The education crackdown is particularly senseless and unconstitutional. In 1982, the Supreme Court found that all children living in the United States have the right to a public education, whatever their immigration status. The justices’ reasoning was shaped not by compassion but practicality: it does the country no good to perpetuate an uneducated underclass. Officials in Alabama — some well meaning, others less so — insisted that nothing in the new law is intended to deny children an education. School districts, they noted, are supposed to collect only numbers of children without papers, not names.
–From Maureen Downey, for the AJC Get Schooled blog
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87 comments Add your comment
Bill Cunnane
October 4th, 2011
8:03 pm
We need to stop pandering to the illegals (especiall the hispanics) who think coming here illegally entitals them to free everything. Cut off all social aid especiall medical (including maternity care) stop food stamps to undocumented persons, arrest all who cannot prove legal citizenshipe of documentation that allows them to be in the country. As for schools..well if the must be enrolled then so be it…don’t issue them credits for attending the schools, no diplomas or college credits to be issured to any undocumented student. Make them leave and reenter legally and then issue them their diplomas. Its legal and should be done in every state in the union.
Willydoit?
October 4th, 2011
10:24 pm
@ Paulo977
Our forefathers conquered this land and took it from the natives (savages). Anytime they want to try and get back, they are welcome to start a new war.
I say we “conquer” Mexico and turn it into the 51st state. Clean the damn place up and put all that beautiful ocean front property up for sale.
Enforcing alien law: How will it work? – The Decatur Daily | Law Advice
October 5th, 2011
12:34 am
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Enforcing alien law: How will it work? – The Decatur Daily | Breaking Right Now - Daily News Magazine
October 5th, 2011
12:34 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Enforcing alien law: How will it work? – The Decatur Daily | Breaking Right Now
October 5th, 2011
12:50 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Enforcing alien law: How will it work? – The Decatur Daily | Daily News Magazine
October 5th, 2011
12:52 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Enforcing alien law: How will it work? – The Decatur Daily | Net News Index
October 5th, 2011
1:41 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Barry o
October 5th, 2011
4:26 am
Pretty sure every American is really here illegally. in the eyes of the people who you know where actually here first.
Fred
October 5th, 2011
5:08 am
I feel so much safer today having read all the comments on this blog. It’s nice to know that all you self righteous people never speed, follow to close or run a red light. I mean you are ALL such law abiding citizens and never break ANY law. I wonder then how the average speed on 285 is 75 MPH……………. Oh, I know, it’s all them damn “mesikans.”
Rick in Grayson
October 5th, 2011
5:49 am
$1.4 Billion each year…to educate the children of illegal aliens in the state of Georgia! Why Gwinnett County taxpayers pay at least $250 million each year to educate these children.
While our state “AG” guy complains about a few measly millions in loss to farmers! We lose more in Gwinnett County than farmers in five years! These same farmers want local taxpayers to subsidize their CHEAP labor!
They can plant crops that can be harvested without illegal aliens or pay US citizens a FAIR wage and we would be better off paying an extra 2 cents a tomato. Do the calculations, it doesn’t really amount to that much more money for local produce. If they can’t survive using American labor then they need to move somewhere else or go out of business. The globalization of labor means that employers and employees must adapt.
Colonel Jack
October 5th, 2011
9:54 am
To those dropping the “Native American” card: I *am* a Native American, and I’m over it. The taking of the land happened 200+ years ago. Live with it.
Illegal immigrants are illegal immigrants and have no rights in this country to curtail. Take the path to citizenship, no matter how long and/or arduous it may be … or go home.
PaulC1958
October 5th, 2011
10:25 am
Bubba, for your information the follow is extracted from 8 U.S.C. § 1325 : US Code – Section 1325: Improper entry by alien
“(a) Improper time or place; avoidance of examination or inspection;
misrepresentation and concealment of facts
Any alien who (1) enters or attempts to enter the United States
at any time or place other than as designated by immigration
officers, or (2) eludes examination or inspection by immigration
officers, or (3) attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United
States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the
willful concealment of a material fact, shall, for the first
commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18 or
imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both, and, for a subsequent
commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18, or
imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both.
(b) Improper time or place; civil penalties
Any alien who is apprehended while entering (or attempting to
enter) the United States at a time or place other than as
designated by immigration officers shall be subject to a civil
penalty of –
(1) at least $50 and not more than $250 for each such entry (or
attempted entry); or
(2) twice the amount specified in paragraph (1) in the case of
an alien who has been previously subject to a civil penalty under
this subsection.
Civil penalties under this subsection are in addition to, and not
in lieu of, any criminal or other civil penalties that may be
imposed.”
Alabama ruling ignites fear among immigrants | Latino Life | a mySA.com blog
October 5th, 2011
10:37 am
[...] more here, here and here. [...]
GIGI
October 5th, 2011
10:45 am
Enough with the taxpaying crap….Illegals working and not paying for nothing…. Really…,..if anything their buying power is much more than the average american household.
Hispanic Buying Power Projected to Reach $1.3 Trillion in 2015
January 17 2011 | Shannon Bryant
http://www.marketingforecast.com/archives/9461
The United States population of Hispanic consumers wields a formidable combination of fiscal optimism and buying power in excess of $1 trillion, making progressively more acculturated Latinos a demographic capable of shaping the nation’s future economic and marketing trajectory, according to a new report, “Latino Shoppers: Demographic Patterns and Spending Trends Among Hispanic Americans, 8th Edition,” by Packaged Facts. Hispanic buying power is projected to reach $1.3 trillion in 2015, a cumulative increase of around 25%.
Oooh – how do they do that? Yep, they have at least 4 to 5 paychecks in a home and live within in their means…”Oooh” you say – live within in our means? OMG what about the Jones? No way Jose – its not the Jones anymore…..its the Lopez’s – they can afford more than the Jones now….
How so? Well lets see they pay their bills….”Really” i thought they were on welfare…. Nope that’s the Jones’s they are getting a free ride as long as they can now days (give me something Mr. Government – I’m a taxpayer you owe me something boo hoo)…..Because Mr. Jones will not do menial labor and Mrs. Jones won’t work….omg really should Mrs Jones work – never heard of that…..She doesn’t even clean her own home…..Maria where are you?
So enough said……. The Mexican’s are here to stay…. we need them, we love their food….and they work so dog gone hard….doing the jobs that you, me and anyone else who doesn’t like to get their hands dirty…………Awwhh….Cinco De Mayo anyone? Its Margarita time for me. Adios Amigos…
posterchild
October 5th, 2011
11:01 am
@GIGI, hear hear! It’s easier to hate and be a bigot than it is to change your lifestyle/spending habits when financial situations turn against you.
November 6, 2012
October 5th, 2011
11:17 am
In 1982, the Supreme Court found that all children living in the United States have the right to a public education, whatever their immigration status. The justices’ reasoning was shaped not by compassion but practicality: it does the country no good to perpetuate an uneducated underclass.
The above is so much BULL HOOEY (No profanity on this blog). These people are ILLEGAL. They have no right to be in the United States of America, getting a free education, overburdening our infrastructure, collecting welfare, and on and on and on and on. New policy that should be instituted on January 2, 2013:
If you are in this country illegally and cannot prove you are an American Citizen, you have until July 1, 2013 to remove yourself. You may take your family, all your possessions, money, vehicles, etc. and all other personal possessions. After July 1, 2013, if your are found to be in this country illegally, you will be taken immediately to an area to await deportation. You will not be allowed a phone call, all of your possessions will be taken from you and when a bus is filled, you will be taken to the border and dropped off. No exceptions. It is the POTUS’ bound duty to enforce our immigration laws. This may be viewed as harsh by some; however, it is the only way that this mess can be fixed. If this policy were put into effect, there would be such a rush to our southern border exit points that traffic would be bumper to bumper on all highways leading south. Exit points would be lined up for weeks, yea months and would be an opportunity for some enterprising people to actually make money setting up stores, gas stations, portable baths, etc. etc.
Jenifer
October 5th, 2011
12:27 pm
Im a hispanic But a citizen of the U.S. I agree we should cut off all the food stamps ect, but for everyone. I mean what is all the hate about We should all be able to have the same rights. I mean if your illegal go back where you came from and become llegal. Although we hispanics are the ones that do the labor work for cheap, and the work american people don’t want to do. Many people are illegal, if you are going to enforce the law do it on everyone not only on brown-skin people, but EVERYONE!!
Jorene
October 5th, 2011
1:27 pm
Could our Founding Fathers have been considered illegal immigrants? Should they not have fled their native lands to seek safety, better opportunities, and the escape of persecution? Hmm.
Justice Department Sues Alabama Over Controversial Immigration Law - Page 2
October 5th, 2011
7:26 pm
[...] Re: Justice Department Sues Alabama Over Controversial Immigration Law var pubId=25853; var siteId=25854; var kadId=20989; var kadwidth=300; var kadheight=250; var kadtype=1; Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
US state loses workers as immigration law kicks in – The Associated Press « Contacto Latino News
October 5th, 2011
8:22 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Hispanic students disappear from Ala. schools – CBS News | Insurance by State
October 6th, 2011
2:10 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
truth2
October 6th, 2011
9:12 am
Why post a picture of Latinos on the front page (over Immigration)
Racist
Crystal Clear!
October 6th, 2011
9:49 am
Reading these comments reinforces the observation that there are so many people who do not want to see less fortunate children become educated and succeed in life.
It’s actually quite easy to understand; they feel personally threatened. They know the lies that have been promulgated about inferiority will be exposed.
Bigots are quite simple people!
The Truth, So Help Me God
October 6th, 2011
10:06 am
Let our textbooks speak to truth! Our young people need to know that we are here by virtue of brute force, that millions of native Americans fled to the southwest and Mexico to avoid extinction. Our youth must be taught that most “native” Mexican’s have roots traceable to North America that can be proven through DNA sampling.
Do we really want our children to learn that “Might is Right;” if we kick someone’s butt, we have a right to their property. I thought we trying to diminish bullying and other forms of aggression as not being suitable for our culture.
Mexicans have more legitimacy to this land than we European Americans. Not to think so is a perversion of logic. Suppose China successfully conquered the USA, and we ran to central American to avoid genocide; Would we be considered “illegal” upon return?
Yes, so many are deathly afraid of what genetics and DNA sampling will reveal.
Francisco de Auguilera
Hater (since I don't support Illegals)
October 6th, 2011
10:40 am
“Racist” and “Bigots are quite simple people!”
Those hate labels are rather old and boring! Can you come up with anything new or original?
@ Francisco de Auguilera
This is not about the past but about the present. It is about also about laws. Keep up the good fight though!
Our schools have been damaged by Illegal. An end is in sight and the backbone of America will see to it!
@ Francisco de Auguilera
October 6th, 2011
10:41 am
Are you an Illegal Immigrant?
Eric
October 6th, 2011
1:13 pm
Ok. We get it. There’s a faction that says “what part of illegal dont you understand?” There’s a faction that says “but we contribute to this country’s success.” and there’s a faction that says “we can’t ignore the children.”
In the end, people who are afraid will remain afraid, no matter what happens. People who see value in all human life (regardless of borders) will continue to do so. And People who think children are our future will continue to believe that.
What’s going to matter is “Who is right?” So, who is right? Illegal IS illegal, Children are Children, and compassion is compassion. You can waste all your day on blogs if you wish. But on judgement day, you have to be willing to carry the ball all the way to your maker. If you are willing to do that with the position you currently espouse, carry on! God will see through. Please, people, have no doubt. He is watching.
@ Eric
October 6th, 2011
4:05 pm
“But on judgement day, you have to be willing to carry the ball all the way to your maker. If you are willing to do that with the position you currently espouse, carry on! God will see through. Please, people, have no doubt. He is watching.”
Do you think that God is looking at the Illegals and their years of theft and deception and they will not have their judgement day? A better life for your family is one thing, but when it comes doen to the fact that you are stealing from others and consistenly deceiving and breaking the law, illegals won’t pay a steeper price?
God knows that most of us are not racists and bigots, even if we are labeled as such. I think karma and judgement day threats are made by hypocrits who need to worry about themselves and not try to use threats of guilt or shame. Consistently doing the wrong thing for the right reason will never make it legal, okay or right!
Sometimes your own worst enemy is the person you see in the mirror!
@ Reflection
October 6th, 2011
4:16 pm
“Let’s face it: After reading so many of these comments it is evident that so many people don’t really care about children. Actually it goes beyond not caring because they support policies that inflict life-long harm. This is especially true for children who don’t look like or talk like their own.”
Illegal immigrants are using their children as pawns. They are no different than shoplifters who use their children to steal from stores. Children of Illegal aliens have grown up in this country with parents that have taught them that it is okay to lie, cheat and steal. What kind adults are these children going to become if they stay in the US? Don’t you think that are more like to continue to take as they were taught? Do you think any reputable business is going to hire them?
My first priority are MY children. The children of Illegal aliens are stealing from my children and their future. Selfish? Hell yes, I don’t care what you call me for looking out from MY children. I have taught my children to be compassionate, honest, and hardworking but to watch their backs for the moochers that are destroying our society. My children shouldn’t have to pay for Illegal children, just as I am paying for Illegals now.
The quilt trips are over and done with. Move on!
kimberly
October 6th, 2011
4:48 pm
there are so many heartless people out there in this f***k up world there is no saying in the bible , about borders, immgrants, all people are considered the same, put your self in there shoes and see how you feel, all i hear is illegal immgrants, well what about the indians , chinease, african , what about them it;s not only mexicans, and if the american people would get off there a** and do the jobs that the mexicans do there would not be a problem. i am american and there are alot of sorry americans out there that want do the jobs that mexicans do. i feel sorry for america, there are so much hatered out there, my god rest on all souls.
Right on Francisco
October 6th, 2011
6:59 pm
We are the illegal occupants of this land. We all but exterminated an indigenous people. I agree with the above comment from Francisco de Auguilera that many Mexicans have North American roots. The indigenous people fled for their lives.
Do we teach our children that this is right? What we rip off is ours? Murder and theft is justifiable? Would this be in keeping with America’s moral fiber? I think NOT.
Wake Up, this is their land! There is nothing in our DNA blueprint/mapping that supports ownership. Regretfully, it is we who are the thieves. How in good conscience can we condemn the victims?
UGAprof
Jamie
October 7th, 2011
9:29 am
First of all, everyone of you need to clean out your own closets before cleaning out anyone elses. Florida, particularly Miami, is overrun with Illegal immigrants from Cuba…and our lawmakers let them stay because they made it to dry ground. Illegal aliens no more drain our economy or cost our nation anymore than the natural born citizens. Them being here doesn’t and has not given anyone an attitude of if “they” can do it then so can I, as far as lying, cheating and stealing goes. What about the white and black families that continue to have children, collect welfare just so they don’t have to work, they are capable, yet refuse to. They are just as much a drain…..IF AMERICANS weren’t so lazy there wouldn’t be any jobs for ILLEGAL MEXICANS to take…..PERIOD!!! To become a citizen is damn near impossible…Have any of you ever seen the test they have to take to become a CITIZEN? I have and although I am true-blue born and raised AMERICAN, I wouldn’t even be able to pass the test, and I’m betting many of you wouldn’t be able to either. What about all the other ILLEGAL immigrants>? The damn government has let them come over here….many of them can become business owners and are tax exempt for up to 7 years….what about the drain they cause? Why is it that everybody hates MEXICANS anyway cause that’s the bottom line…it really has nothing to do with them being illegal, it’s because they are mexican….you NEVER hear anyone say a damn thing about anyone else here illegally….Just because someone looks different on the outside doesn’t make them “sh– on the bottom of anyone’s shoe” and that is how most people treat hispanics…I hate it, and in reality if many of you would shut your mouths and observe with your eyes you would see that it is our own Government that has ran this country down the drain and it has naught a damn thing to do with illegal immigrants..Get off your high horse…and let me say one thing about farmers, since none of you know a damn thing about it…they make little to nothing on their crops and who they “hire” to harvest them has nothing to do with what you are charged at the grocery store, those prices are set by the Suppliers, not the farmers. Same thing with cattle farmers. So before you make assinine comments you should make sure you know what you are talking about.
Lce
October 7th, 2011
3:38 pm
What is law? Is a social mediator of relations between people, but those who make the law are the ones who decide how to implement And that doesn’t make it Good or bad, they just want to do wat’s Best for them, it afect othes under the pretext of educating the people, for human society to function as such must be understood, and understand others’ problems to be functional and more complete, we as a society leed to undertand the the problems of othes are our probles to an our probles are theirs to just like Dr. Martín luther kind said from Alabama What we do on to others afect us directly or indirectly, remember when african americans did not have the right to vote an that was the law, laws are needed in society but their not always perfect thats the difference the we have to undertand, making it a law doesn’t its the right thing to do, whe have to obey law but we have to elcect better representation in goverment And we undertand we are rulers
Of the world we as society have comprise to other And they to us al over the world
Cher
October 8th, 2011
9:00 am
GA needs to support AL immigration law and fallow suite. The southern states NEED to stick together! “If” the illegals flee there. GA needs to push for stronger laws against “illega” immigration and will have good cause to do so!! Let the illegals flee to the north. In all honesty I dont see why they wouldnt flee to NY where Cumo is passing laws to have everything written in 16 different languages! Yeah that will really encourage assimilation! Wont it!? Southern states are hit harder because we are closer to the border and they like the warmer climate! Let the northerners want illegals freely roaming the street, let support them! Illegals dont just hurt Americans and citizens, they hurt those trying to come here legaly and those already legaly here looking for work! Illegals who dont even use thier legal names arent subject to the strict background checks Americans are. Its sickening that a 30 yr old man who hasnt gotten in trouble sine he was 19 cant get a job cause he made a bad decision as a teen. But an illegal who could of murdered 16 people on thier way to or threw our states is free and clear to get the job! Also with OUT verifying threw LEGAL documentation WHO the kids are and IF the “parent” is the parent listed on the birth certificate is putting CHILDREN in harms way! With ALL the babies and children kidnapped in Mexico and America. Whos to say these children arent stolen!?? If a “parent” doesnt have LEGAL documentation on a child they are trying to enroll and can NOT PROVE they are the LEGAL parent law enforcement SHOULD be notified IMMEDIATLY!
Blue collar guy
October 9th, 2011
5:21 pm
I’m your average welder I belong to a union that like many hasn’t seen an increase in wages,but an increase in fuel and food.why would your average business man hire an American for $20an hr when he can hire 3 mexicans!!start enforcing our laws,if an American breaks a law he’s fined or jailed so the system gets money,what’s fare is fare..I may not be a college educated man but I am an Iraq veteran who’s fought for the rights that a lot of you people jus wanna give the illegals,that’s funny there were none standing beside me in camp beuhring.if they truly wanna be citizens let them serve 4 yrs.see how many sign up
Will Alabama’s new immigration law send nervous families across border to … – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Insurance by State
October 10th, 2011
10:50 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
jobless Alabama teacher
October 11th, 2011
9:21 am
I have been a successful public school teacher in Alabama for fifteen years. But this year I find myself unemployed and to date umemployable! Why am I not working? Due to strains on the Alabama Public Education System, my program and many others were terminated. Why wasn’t I rehired in a different position? The system appears to be encouraging the hire of new teachers right out of college. Why? Because the State then has to pay them a lower salary. Years ago educators were encouraged to advance our degrees – to become Master teachers and to become highly qualified. So, why should they hire me back when they can get a new teacher to fill my position at a lower cost. So, I start looking for employment in the business sector. Guess what? I am overqualified for a workers position. I look into management. I have the skills and experience. I have spoken with five businesses. I meet ALL of the qualifications EXCEPT one! The big question… “But, can you speak Spanish? We are really looking for someone who is bilingual”!!!!!!! I say “ILLEGALS, GO AWAY! I need to support my two children, pay my mortgage, pay my car payment, and find a job! I do not need to pay for you! I CAN’T pay for you anymore! You have taken all that I have! GO AWAY!!!!!