Several Alabama state legislators, recently returned from a trip to the U.S.-Mexico border, are preparing to introduce new anti-illegal immigration legislation for the 2025 session.
Although specific details are not yet available, legislators have shared their intention to target those involved in trafficking or profiting from illegal immigrants, particularly from Central and South America. They aim to make it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to remain in Alabama.
Rep. Brock Colvin, R-Albertville, suggested that a crackdown on human trafficking could be part of the solution. “There is a humanitarian issue here,” Colvin said. “Many of these immigrants are being exploited.”
While acknowledging that immigration policy is primarily a federal responsibility, lawmakers criticize the Biden administration for the current situation and seek to implement measures to hinder illegal immigration into the state.
Rep. Kiel noted that similar efforts in Texas have been effective. “Republican legislators and Governor Greg Abbott in Texas have empowered law enforcement to enforce state laws, which has significantly reduced illegal immigration there,” Kiel said. “We consulted with Texas Department of Public Safety agents about these policies and their potential application in Alabama.”
Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, concurred. “On the state level, we need to follow Texas’ lead and make Alabama equally unwelcoming to illegal migrants,” Elliott said. “We can’t change federal immigration policy, but we can make Alabama less attractive to illegal settlers. Our visit with law enforcement will lead to legislation aimed at reducing illegal migration into our state.”
Lawmakers also expressed concern over the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in sponsoring immigrants. Rep. Wes Kitchens, R-Arab, pointed out, “More than 50 countries have crossed the border in McAllen, including many that don’t share criminal records with the U.S. NGOs are involved in these movements and receive millions from the federal government. We have ideas for legislation based on this.”
Other participants in the border trip included Reps. Jeana Ross, R-Guntersville, and Sens. Lance Bell, R-Pell City; Keith Kelly, Anniston; and April Weaver, R-Brierfield. The entire Marshall County delegation was also present. Marshall County has long had a high immigrant population due to the poultry industry and recently saw an influx of Haitian immigrants, many of whom have received temporary protected status through early 2026.
Ross, who focused on education and immigration during her campaign, highlighted the impact of immigration on local schools. “The strain on education from immigration is evident,” Ross told Alabama Daily News. She hopes to prepare a legislative package before the 2025 session, beginning in February, to address these issues.
The lawmakers’ border tour, which included officials from 20 states, was funded by the Federation for American Immigration Reform.
Sen. Lance Bell criticized current border policies, stating, “If we don’t gain control of our borders, the situation will only worsen. Poor leadership and policies have put Americans at risk. The conditions for those entering our country are unacceptable. This issue affects the integrity of our nation.”
Weaver criticized the contrast between the strict security measures she encountered during her visit to Texas and the lax security at the border. “Our ability to protect America relies on strong border security and an orderly immigration system, which we currently lack,” Weaver said.
State leaders, including Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, and Attorney General Steve Marshall, visited the southern border in May 2023.
In 2011, Alabama passed a stringent anti-illegal immigration law, considered the toughest in the country at the time, though much of it was later overturned by federal courts.
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