Immigration in the States :: Hispanic Alliance for Prosperity Institute

Immigration in the States

Posted On: January 20, 2012

Alabama and Georgia farmers expect worker shortages

Associated Press
January 20, 2012

[In the wake of] tough new laws targeting illegal immigration, some producers said they have begun changing their plans for planting and harvesting this year's crops . . . Some farmers said they might reduce the number of acres they plant or shift to less labor-intensive crops, while others are bracing for higher labor prices . . . read more

Virginia lawmakers consider immigration measures
Virginian-Pilot
January 18, 2012

A bill by Sen. Dick Black, R-Loudoun, would require police to check the immigration status of anyone they pull over for a traffic stop if the person cannot produce a driver's license or other proof of legal residency . . . Another bill, killed in subcommittee Tuesday, would have required public elementary and secondary schools to verify students' immigration status during registration . . . read more

Missouri bill has first hearing
Truman University Index
January 19, 2012

At the bill's first hearing Tuesday before the General Laws Committee, Gary Wiegert, lobbyist for the St. Louis Tea Party, was the sole person to testify in support of the bill . . . Opponents like Vanessa Crawford, Missouri Immigrant and Refugee Advocates executive director, argued at the hearing that making SB 590 law puts a greater burden on communities . . . read more

School officials question Missouri bill
Joplin Globe
January 16, 2012

A bill in the Missouri Senate that would require public schools to verify the immigration status of incoming students is drawing heat from local school leaders who fear they could be turned into "immigration police" . . . read more

Utah lawmakers sponsor bills to repeal and replace guest worker law
KUER News
January 18, 2012

Republican State Senator Stephen Urquhart from Washington County is sponsoring a bill to repeal the guest worker law, but [State Representative Chris] Herrod is the only legislator so far who has come forward with a replacement bill. The proposed [replacement] – which is still being finalized – would be a pilot program that would allow those who have overstayed their visas to regain legal status, without risk of deportation or being barred from re-entry back to the states . . . read more

New Mexico bill would deny driver's licenses to unauthorized
New York Times
January 18, 2012

For the third straight session, Gov. Susana Martinez, a Republican, will be pushing to repeal a nearly decade-old law that allows New Mexico residents who are in this country illegally to obtain [driver's] licenses . . . It is still unclear if this year’s bill has the votes to pass the New Mexico Legislature, which is controlled by Democrats . . . read more

BONUS IW IN THE NEWS

The next immigration challenge
New York Times
By Dowell Myers
January 11, 2012

The billions of dollars spent on border enforcement should be gradually redirected to replenishing and boosting the education budget, particularly the Pell grant program for low-income students. Some money could be channeled to nonprofits like ImmigrationWorks and Welcoming America, which are at the forefront of helping migrants assimilate . . . read more