Civil and Human Rights Coalition: Decision on Alabama Anti-Immigrant Law “a Blot on our Constitution”

Washington, D.C. – Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement in response to today’s ruling on Alabama’s anti-immigrant Arizona copycat bill:

“Today’s decision by Judge Blackburn is a blot on our Constitution. It’s also highly questionable since it’s wildly contrary to the decisions that federal judges in Arizona, Georgia, Indiana and Utah have made regarding similar legislation. Alabama’s House Bill 56 is designed to do nothing more than terrorize the state’s Latino community by requiring them to carry and ‘show their papers’ in a way that makes racial profiling the state’s official law enforcement policy. It will keep children out of school and destroy families and businesses. The only possible end result of H.B. 56 is a permanent underclass in Alabama that would be further driven into the shadows of society.

This is a law that clearly harkens back to the segregationist creed of ‘states’ rights’ by preempting the federal government’s authority over immigration enforcement. We commend the many civil rights organizations and the U.S. Department of Justice for challenging this law and we urge them to continue to fight it through the appellate process. For the good of Alabama and our nation, this outrageous ruling cannot – and should not – be allowed to stand.”

Wade Henderson is president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.