Hundreds rally against Alabama immigration law

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Hundreds packed the Alabama Statehouse courtyard on Tuesday to rally against the state's tough immigration law, with organizers saying they chose to send a message on Valentine's Day that lawmakers need to love and respect immigrants.

People bused in from across the state to demand repeal of the law that aims to be tough on those in the country illegally.

Protesters carried signs reading, "Gov. Bentley, don't you have a heart?" ''No Juan Crow" and "Una Familia, Una Alabama." They chanted in Spanish and English, "No more HB56" (the bill that became the law) and "One family, one Alabama." They delivered lollipops and Valentines to lawmakers, urging them to strike down the law.

Legislative leaders have said they plan to introduce a bill in the coming weeks to make subtle changes to the law. However, House Majority Leader Micky Hammon, one of the sponsors of the immigration bill, said the proposal will not make major changes and is not aimed at softening the law.

Rally organizers said the changes aren't enough, and a full repeal is needed.

"Tweaks are only temporary Band-Aids, not a permanent solution," said Zayne Smith, a coordinator with the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice.

The wide-ranging law requires police to determine citizenship status during traffic stops and requires government offices to verify legal residency for everyday transactions like obtaining a car license, enrolling a child in school, getting a job or renewing a business license

Opponents say they'll spend more days at the Legislature lobbying against the law, parts of which have been blocked by federal courts. The law was passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature and took effect in the fall. Opponents say it's hurting the state's economy and image; supporters say it's providing jobs for legal residents.

Carmen Espinoza, 17, a high school student at Montgomery Catholic, moved to the state from California last year. An immigrant from Mexico, she is in the country legally, but some friends and family members are not. She moved to live with her aunt because her family was worried about gangs and violence in southern California, she said.

"In California, there was a big Hispanic community — we never had to deal with racism," Espinoza said. "Now here, when people see me, the first think they ask is, 'Do you have papers?' It's not fair. We're all equal."