Anti-Immigrant Legislation Backfiring Against State Law Makers

     While the authors and supporters of state level anti-immigrant legislation received some national attention initially, the legislation now seems to be backfiring against them. Last Friday, enough signatures were certified to initiate a recall election against Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce this November. This will be the first recall election of a state legislator in Arizona history. 

     Moreover, in Georgia, there is evidence that the anti-immigrant legislation is backfiring as well.  The state’s agricultural industry is suffering because it cannot now find enough workers to harvest their fields.  Harvesting is hard labor, with low wages, and predominantly done by immigrants without status.  

     As well, in Alabama where the most aggressive anti-immigrant legislation has recently been passed, school principals and church leaders have been required to police for immigration status.  Many church leaders say they will disobey the law because it is unjust. Other outcries focus on the massive amount of paperwork the law requires in a state with severe educational budget cuts.