Dothan, Ala. — In a contentious legislative session, the Alabama Senate passed three bills today aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement in the state. The bills, which introduce new criminal offenses and requirements for individuals unlawfully present in the United States, have sparked a heated debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups.
Republican senators are backing the legislation, positioning it as part of a broader effort to support President Trump’s immigration policies and secure the nation’s borders. “The Senate Republicans are working hard in trying to support President Trump and his goal of securing the border, and getting us back to a safe state like we used to be,” said Sen. Lance Bell (R-Pell City), the sponsor of a bill that would require DNA testing for individuals found to be unlawfully in the country.
Another bill, sponsored by Sen. Wes Kitchens (R-Arab), seeks to make human smuggling a Class C felony. Kitchens, who visited the southern U.S. border in September, explained that much of the legislation was inspired by his observations during that trip. “We met with people from Texas and a sheriff from Arizona. We were able to see firsthand what’s happening at the border and how that affects our states. That’s what we’re trying to correct,” Kitchens said.
The third bill introduced would invalidate driver’s licenses issued by other states to individuals who failed to prove their legal status when initially obtaining the license. This provision has drawn significant criticism, particularly from immigrant rights groups who argue it will lead to unnecessary hardships for undocumented residents.
Democratic leaders have been vocal in their opposition to the measures, calling them inhumane and harmful to vulnerable communities. “It’s still kind of sketchy as to whether or not the way I get treated on a day-to-day basis, being targeted, is right,” said Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro), speaking out against the bills. Singleton expressed concerns that the proposed laws could exacerbate racial profiling and lead to further discrimination against marginalized groups.
Miguel Luna, a policy fellow with the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice, echoed these concerns, noting that the legislation instills fear in undocumented individuals across the state. “They’re frightened to go to work. They’re frightened to go to school. They’re frightened to even just go outside and enjoy life,” Luna said. “That shouldn’t be how anybody should be living.”
The bills, which have now passed the Senate, will move to the Alabama House of Representatives for further review. Once the bills are considered by the House committee, they will proceed to the full floor for a final vote.
As the legislation progresses, it remains to be seen whether it will gain the support necessary to become law, or if it will face further opposition in the coming weeks. Regardless, the debate over these immigration-related measures continues to highlight the sharp divisions within the state and the country over how to handle unlawful immigration.
