LULAC Supports Blocking of Anti-Immigrant Laws

By Jossie Flor Sapunar on 08/22/2012 @ 12:00 PM

Thousands marched in a rally in Dallas, Texas, for comprehensive immigration reform, for which LULAC will tirelessly advocate.

LULAC supports the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit to block most of Alabama and Georgia’s anti-immigrant laws since they would support a state-sponsored culture of blatant intolerance that would criminalize immigrants. The court also blocked the registration and contracts provisions found in Alabama's law, HB 56. In Georgia, the court determined that a section criminalizing transporting or harboring of immigrants was not permissible.

“We are encouraged to see the court send a strong message to Alabama, Georgia and other states against anti-immigrant laws in this country that propagates freedom and acceptance,” said LULAC National President Margaret Moran.

The courts also determined that section 28 of Alabama's law which requires the immigration verification of newly enrolled K – 12 students, violates the Equal Protection Clause, and could interfere with children's constitutional right to education. Since one-in-four (24.7%) public elementary school students are Hispanic, upholding this law would have been detrimental not only for the lives of the students affected, but also for the future of the nation. With over 50 million people, Latinos are the fastest-growing and largest minority group and play an important role in the future of the country.

“We are thrilled that students are returning to school, where they will continue their education, and LULAC will still challenge the “show me your papers” provision, since they cannot be enforced without racial profiling,” declared President Moran.