If Alabama state lawmakers were trying to get rid of killer bees or roving packs of rats I could better understand their urge to take action. But the “illegals” that are squarely in the sights of these elected officials are people – not vermin.

The spate of immigration laws that are making their way through state houses across the country will have unconsidered consequences that will do more harm than good. They include: separating families, forcing a large segment of our population to live in fear, encouraging the expansion of an underground economy, and hurting businesses that rely on cheap labor – thereby hurting consumers by driving up prices.

“The law, which goes beyond an immigration enforcement bill Arizona adopted last year, requires public schools to determine the immigration status of all students starting in kindergarten and makes it a crime to knowingly give a ride in a vehicle to an illegal immigrant. It requires police officers to inquire about the status of anyone they stop if they suspect the person might be an illegal immigrant.”

NY Times: Alabama: Tough Immigration Measure Becomes Law, By JULIA PRESTON Published: June 9, 2011

P1000055 by Bebopsmile, on Flickr

Really? Denying children of the undocumented an education will make things better?

Comprehensive immigration reform is often talked about, but never acted upon in earnest by the federal government. Instead, we allow states to dictate the agenda and some are doing so in the most radical ways possible.

Deport as many people as you want, America. More will come.

Blame the undocumented for all of your troubles, America. Still, more will come.

Marginalize people instead of finding a way to make the system work for everyone, America.

And of course, more will still come.

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