Editorials

Despite rumors and anecdotal evidence to the contrary, reliable estimates simply do not support the contention that Alabama has an illegal immigrant problem.

However, unencumbered by facts, Gov. Bob Riley shoehorned into his State of the State address — right between an end to PAC-to-PAC transfers and an increased emphasis on alternative fuels — the promise that he would send the Legislature bills that would “become the strongest illegal immigration laws in the United States.”

True to his word, he has.

Last week the governor sent legislation that would require proof of citizenship for state benefits and business licenses; would make it a felony for illegals to try to vote; and would allow police to seize property of illegal immigrants just as they seize the property of drug dealers. Under these new rules, businesses that hire undocumented workers would face heavy penalties and the vehicles of people without proof of residency could be impounded.

Immediately Hispanic advocacy groups protested that the bills unfairly targeted Latinos, especially the impounding aspect of the plan, for access to transportation is critical for Hispanic workers. They asked for a public hearing on the matter, so the committee to which the bills are assigned could understand that there is another side to the issue.

Actually, there are many sides to the matter. Wisely, House committee chairmen have decided to carry the bills over until the different interests can make their opinions known.

The legislation has many problems.

The bills do target Hispanics, since Central and South American countries are the main source of illegal immigration. Business groups rightly protest the difficulties inherent in the regulations they will be forced to follow. Representatives on both sides of the aisle have expressed concerns about the wording of the legislation.

But the biggest matter of all is money.

Although the governor expects the Alabama Development Office to oversee much of the enforcement and feels the ADO can do this without additional funding, he does not have much company in that opinion.

When the House committees hold public hearings, we urge committee members to invite ADO officials to explain how the new laws will be enforced without an additional cost to the state.

Meanwhile, we suggest that the Legislature and governor take a deep breath, settle back and wait to see just how the federal government intends to address the issue. Already legislation is working its way through Congress. It would be premature for Alabama to act without seeing what Washington plans to do.

Let's talk the matter through, then put these bills on the back burner and wait a while.

There are more important issues with which to deal.