Five legislators in the Alabama House of Representatives are co-sponsoring five bills that directly and indirectly target illegal immigration. Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville) is among those five House members, along with Rep. Ben Robbins (R-Sylacauga), Rep. Jennifer Fidler (R-Fairhope), Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville) and Rep. Chip Brown (R-Hollinger's Island) are the other co-sponsors.
The wave of immigration bills comes as there is growing national support for President Donald Trump's anti-illegal immigration policies. Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter said the bills are necessary to reduce the effect of what he describes as 'disastrous' open border policies in former President Joe Biden's administration.
“The previous presidential administration’s open border policies have been absolutely disastrous for the state of Alabama,” Ledbetter said. “Our school systems’ ELL programs have been pushed to the brink, housing in rural and urban communities has become even more challenging and local governments have been forced to support people who are either here illegally or protected under politically motivated asylum statuses. While President Trump has made great progress in securing the Southern Border, it is important that we take action to secure Alabama’s border.”
HB304 by Kiel would authorize the impoundment of vehicles operated unlawfully by individuals without a valid driver’s license, which is a common occurrence among illegal immigrants. The bill also restricts local governments from issuing identification cards, which could otherwise be used by illegal aliens to circumvent state laws.
Kiel introduced HB304 on February 18th and it has been read for the second time and placed on the House calendar after advancing out of the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. Kiel said he expects the full House of Representatives to vote on the bill March 6th, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
“This bill is about enforcing the law and ensuring roads, highways and interstates across Alabama are safe,” Kiel said.“If someone is in our state illegally and operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license, they pose a significant risk to everyone on the road. By impounding unlawfully operated vehicles and restricting local governments from issuing IDs that could be misused, we are making Alabama a safer place for its citizens.”
Kiel said he worded the bill similarly to the language of a City of Russellville ordinance which allows for impoundment of any vehicle operated by an unlicensed driver.
HB302 by Rep. Ben Robbins (R-Sylacauga) would regulate labor brokers recruiting foreign workers to Alabama by requiring registration with the Department of Workforce, mandatory use of E-Verify and compliance with sponsorship reporting requirements. It would grant enforcement authority to the Secretary of Workforce and Attorney General, imposing fines, penalties and potential business revocation for noncompliance. Employers would also be required to disclose foreign worker immigration details, and sponsors of lawful aliens would be held financially liable for unfulfilled support obligations.
“This bill protects Alabamians hard earned tax dollars by making legal immigrants pay taxes, preventing immigrants from taking benefits they do not deserve, and holding sponsors fiscally responsible,” said Rep. Robbins. “We are putting an end to circumventing the system. Alabama will have the most protected workforce in America, and we will take a hard stand against shadowy figures trafficking humans into Alabama to exploit cheap labor.”
Robbins' bill advanced out of the House Judiciary Committee and was read for the second time on the House floor. The House is expected to vote on HB302 this week.
HB297 by Rep. Jennifer Fidler (R-Fairhope) would impose a 4% wire transfer fee on international money transfers originating from Alabama. A portion of the revenue generated by this fee would go to county sheriffs, who are now are now housing ICE detainees in the jails, and ELL programs in public schools. Alabama residents would be able to receive a tax credit to offset the transfer fees.
“Alabama has experienced an unprecedented influx of illegal immigrants over the past four years," said Rep. Fidler.” These individuals often come to our state to work in various jobs, some of which are not subject to state income tax. Many send their earnings out of the country and, in some cases, to the cartels that facilitated their crossing. HB297's primary objective is to support communities that have been burdened by this immigrant influx. It does this by ensuring that 2.5% of the wire transfer fee comes back to the county where the wire transfer originated. This helps pay for educating English Language Learners and health needs that affected communities are now absorbing. The other 1.5% will help pay for law enforcement's deportation process of illegal immigrants. HB297 has a sunset so that the legislative body can ensure that funding is aiding affected areas in the future. HB297 ensures that international wire transfers are subject to a fee comparable to the tax level of every other law-abiding citizen.”
HB297 is pending in the House Ways and Means Education Committee.
HB298 by Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville) would exclude certain English language learner students from a public school's average daily membership when determining athletic competition classification.
“This bill is designed to protect student-athletes in communities like Albertville, Boaz, Russellville and many others that have had to move to higher athletic classifications due to a significant influx of immigrants,” said Rep. Colvin. “By ensuring clear regulations and a level playing field, this legislation will restore both safety and fairness to high school sports, preserving the integrity of competition for all athletes.”
HB298 remains pending in the House Committee on Education Policy.
HB3 by Rep. Chip Brown (R- Hollinger's Island) would mandate enhanced sentencing for illegal aliens convicted of felonies against minors and upgrades misdemeanor offenses against minors to Class C felonies.
“As lawmakers, protecting children must always be our top priority, and this legislation ensures that those who prey on minors face the full force of the law,” said Rep. Brown. “By imposing stronger penalties on illegal immigrants who commit these crimes, we are making it clear that Alabama will not be a safe haven for lawbreakers. We will enforce a zero-tolerance policy and use every tool at our disposal to ensure that those who come here illegally and harm our children face the harshest consequences possible.”
HB3 was read for the first time on February 4th and referred to the House Judiciary Committee where it remains pending.
