Severe Anti-Immigrant Law Sparks Protest in Alabama
By Cathy Montoya, Senior Field Program Manager
Demonstrators wave anti-HB56 signs during the launch event
On Monday, November 21 the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice launched its campaign to repeal HB56, the most discriminatory anti-immigrant law in the country. In Birmingham, Alabama, the events of the day highlighted the abuses taking place under HB56 and also lifted up the amazing organizing, strength and commitment of the immigrant community and its allies to fight back against this law. The work continues Dec. 16-17, as the Fair Immigration Reform Movement hosts the Immigrant National Convention, two days of training and action in Montgomery, Alabama.
The November launch event began with Congressman Luis Gutierrez returning to Birmingham to meet with Latino business leaders and other advocates to discuss how to pressure the Department of Homeland Security to not enforce the Alabama law and to release some communities that are currently detained in Alabama.
On my way to Birmingham City Hall for a press conference and congressional hearing with 10 congressional members and witnesses of how the
California teachers showed solidarity with Alabama; their cardboard signs say “Repeal Racist HB56”
law has impacted every facet of Alabama life, I met a group of California teachers who just happened to be in Atlanta, Georgia at a conference and heard about what was happening in Birmingham. They decided to make the two hour drive to march around city hall showing their solidarity with the community in Alabama. They made signs out of cardboard and walked around city hall for about an hour before heading back to Atlanta to catch flights back to California. It was one of the most moving experiences of the day for me.
Speakers at rally included Hilary Shelton, on left, and Wade Henderson, on right
Later that evening, we held the launch rally at the historic 16th Street Baptist Church. Speakers included our very own Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference, along with Dolores Huerta, Hilary Shelton, Alabama Dreamers for the Future, local business owners, faith leaders, and immigrant community members. One speaker was Myra, who came to America because her family needed her. She traveled through the desert and nearly died of dehydration but survived and made it to Alabama. She now lives in fear every day that she will be detained and deported but continues to work and support her family. Most importantly, she continues to stand up and fight against HB56.
Wade Henderson said in his remarks, “HB 56 is the most despicable and draconian law that we have seen anywhere in our nation in decades. It is a “scorched earth” assault on undocumented immigrants that is both unfair, and unwarranted.”
Thousands gathered outside to rally against anti-immigrant laws
Finally, after the rally was over and we were cleaning up, Victor and Jocelyn, two youth leaders in Alabama Dreamers for the Future who have made the most impact on me personally because of their courage, shared a special treat. As they started singing and playing guitar on the steps of the church, moved doesn’t begin to articulate how we all felt. I am honored to be a part of this movement and to represent The Leadership Conference during this historical fight for justice.
