Harshest Immigration Laws In The U.S. (SLIDESHOW)

Since the passage last June of Alabama's House Bill 56, considered one of the toughest immigration laws in the nation, critics have been focused on the southern state. The law effectively cut state benefits to any undocumented immigrant, prohibiting them from enrolling in public colleges or soliciting work. Landlords were not allowed to rent property to undocumented immigrants and employers couldn't hire them.

But let's not forget other strict immigration laws.

Although immense controversy erupted over Alabama's bill, this was not the first time such a harsh immigration law came into effect. The hard line has been gaining momentum since the mid 1990's starting with the California's Proposition 187, and intensified in recent years with laws such as the HB 497 in Utah and HB-1C in Florida.

Below is a list of some of the toughest immigration laws in the country.

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• The Template: California Proposition 187 (1994)

  California's Proposition 187 was submitted to the voters with the full support of then Republican governor Pete Wilson. It essentially blamed undocumented immigrants for the poor performance of the state economy in the early 1990s. The law called for cutting off benefits to undocumented immigrants: prohibiting their access to health care, public education, and other social services in California. It also required state authorities to report anyone who they suspected was undocumented. <strong>Status:</strong> The law passed with the support of 55 percent of the voters in 1994 but declared unconstitutional 1997. The law was killed in 1999 when a new governor, Democrat Gray Davis, refused to appeal a judicial decision that struck down most of the law. Even though short-lived, the legislation paved the way for harsher immigration laws to come. On the other hand, the strong reaction from the Hispanic community and immigration advocates propelled a drive for naturalization of legal residents and created as many as one million new voters.

• The Worst: Arizona SB 1070

  The Arizona Act made it a misdemeanor for an undocumented immigrant to be within the state lines of Arizona without legal documents allowing their presence in the U.S. The law was widely criticized as xenophobic and for encouraging racial profiling. It required state authorities to inquire about an individual's immigration status during an arrest when there was "reasonable suspicion" that the individual was undocumented. The law would allow police to detain anyone who they believed was in the country illegally. <strong>Status:</strong> The law was signed into law by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer on April 23, 2010, immediately generating a swirl of controversy and questions about its constitutionality. In July 2010 and February 2012, federal judges blocked different provisions of SB 1070, setting the stage for the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/25/sb1070-ruling-supreme-court_n_1614119.html" target="_hplink">the Supreme Court decision of June 25, 2012</a> which struck down multiple provisions but upheld the controversial "papers please" provision, a centerpiece of the law which critics say will lead to racial profiling

• Following Arizona's Footsteps: Georgia HB 87

  The controversy over Arizona's immigration law was followed by heated debate over Georgia's own law. HB 87 required government agencies and private companies to check the immigration status of applicants. This law also limited some government benefits to people who could prove their legal status. <strong>Status:</strong> Although a federal judge temporarily blocked parts of the law considered too extreme, it went into effect on July 1st. 2011. House: 113-56 Senate: 39-17

• Verifying Authorized Workers: Pennsylvania HB 1502

  This bill, which was approved in 2010, bans contractors and subcontractors employ undocumented workers from having state construction contracts. The bill also protects employees who report construction sites that hire illegal workers. To ensure that contractors hire legal workers, the law requires employers to use the identification verification system E-verify, based on a compilation of legally issued Social Security numbers. <strong>Status:</strong> Approved on June 8th 2010. House: 188-6 (07/08/2010) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/donkeyhotey/" target="_hplink">Flickr photo by DonkeyHotey</a>

• A Spin Off of Arizona: Utah HB 497

  Many states tried to emulate Arizona's SB 1070 law. However, most state legislatures voted against the proposals. Utah's legislature managed to approve an immigration law based on a different argument. Taking into consideration the criticism of racial profiling in Arizona, Utah required ID cards for "guest workers" and their families. In order to get such a card workers must pay a fee and have clean records. The fees go up to $2,500 for immigrants who entered the country illegally and $1,000 for immigrants who entered the country legally but were not complying with federal immigration law, <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2011/mar/06/nation/la-na-illegal-immigration-20110306" target="_hplink">according to the LA Times.</a> <strong>Status: </strong> Law went into effect on 03/15/2011 House: 59-15 (03/04/2011) Senate: 22-5 (03/04/2011)

• The Most Comprehensive: Florida HB-1C

  Florida's immigration law prohibits any restrictions on the enforcement of federal immigration law. It makes it unlawful for undocumented immigrants within the state to apply for work or work as an independent contractor. It forbids employers from hiring immigrants if they are aware of their illegal status and requires work applicants to go through the E-verify system in order to check their Social Security number. <strong>Status: </strong>effective since October 1st, 2010

• The Hot Seat: Alabama HB 56

  The new immigration law in Alabama is considered the toughest in the land, even harder than Arizona's SB 1070. It prohibits law enforcement officers from releasing an arrested person before his or her immigration status is determined. It does not allow undocumented immigrants to receive any state benefit, and prohibits them from enrolling in public colleges, applying for work or soliciting work in a public space. The law also prohibits landlords from renting property to undocumented immigrants, and employers from hiring them. It requires residents to prove they are citizens before they become eligible to vote. The law asked every school in the state to submit an annual report with the number of presumed undocumented students, but this part, along with others, were suspended by federal courts. <strong>Status:</strong> Approved June 2nd, 2011 House: 73-28 (04/05/2011) Senate: 23-11 (05/05/2011) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/longislandwins/" target="_hplink">Flickr photo by longislandwins</a>

Comments

[dobroeytro]

02:06 PM on 12/30/2011

Nothing "harsh" about it. If you want to see some "harsh" laws, look at the US tax code.

[inthedesert]

09:59 AM on 11/08/2011

Illegals and their supporters are fighting a losing battle now. The more attention they bring to their "cause" by whining and accusing the more public opinion will turn against them. America simply cannot afford these people anymore. Hospital Emergency Rooms cannot afford to care for these people any more...they can't be turned away either. School districts cannot afford expensive ESL classes for non-English speaking kids of illegals. Illegals who drive without licenses and insurance are doing nothing but driving up the cost of auto insurance. I guess some people just hate America so much that they want to see it destroyed by illegals. I don't understand that at all.

[luz2409]

12:13 PM on 01/02/2012

Mexico is at war right now and the people who are fleeing are political refugees. In case you aren't aware, the United States sends about 2,000 automatic weapons across the border everyday that go directly into the hands of the cartel. How can we take no responsibility for a problem that we are contributing to? The undocumented people here are hard workers who are just looking for a better life. I bet if you were constantly under threat of being murdered or kidnapped or having that happen to your family, you would probably do whatever it took to come here and look for a better life. "Illegals" are human beings too. They deserve to be treated in a hospital when they're sick. If you were sick in Mexico they would treat you, no questions asked. Remember that they are human beings or you might just come back in your next life as a poor Mexican who risks everything to come here to make a better life, only to be treated like crap by heartless, racist people like yourself.

[inthedesert]

09:45 AM on 11/08/2011

These were and are great laws to protect America from the hordes coming across the border from Mexico. How anyone can believe that it's great to have millions of undocumented Mexicans roaming around America dropping anchor spawn every nine months is beyond me. The Feds just pay "lip service" to the immigration laws already on the books. Some states have just said "enough" however. I'm just not willing to give America away to uneducated, dirt-poor people from Mexico in order to have cheap lettuce. That's like cutting off your nose to spite your face.

[rondonit]

09:21 PM on 11/04/2011

Climbing through the window without an invitation, qualifies you as a Criminal from the jump. Demanding Property or Financial Benefit after you arrive qualifies you as a Thug, too. Failure to respect Americans once you're here invites enforcement of the first law you violated to get here. If you haven't been caught and would like to become an American, I hereby invite you to return to your Native Country to gather your Documents and to apply at the local American Embassy for a Visa. When it comes through, you can load your belongings that are not contraband and come in through any Port of Entry, without having to bribe the Gate Guards. Those not looking to become Citizens, are always able to become Resident Aliens or Tourist's. .

[Elena Cubillo]

03:41 AM on 12/31/2011

AMERICANS don't respect AMERICANS and i call myself an american but now i realize through all of this that i was never an american but an immigrant because i am not full bloodied american indian

[Mark Lindley]

08:41 PM on 01/02/2012

Anyone who is born here is a citizen, not an immigrant. Get your head out of the past. The natives who were indigenous to "this" country are full-fledged Americans just like every other U.S. citizen. This has nothing to do with Mexican illegals.

[luz2409]

12:33 PM on 01/02/2012

1. In 1996 congress voted to make it virtually impossible for Mexicans to come here legally.
2. In 1994 we enacted NAFTA which put nearly a million Mexican corn farmers out of work. It also allowed for U.S corporations to set up factories in Mexican border cities so that they could use their cheap labor. People migrate from all over Mexico for these jobs but when they get there they're often paid less than $3 a day. Often times they are subject or rape or sexual abuse by their American bosses which as been well documented. So they are left in a border city with no money and many decide to try to come to the U.S. Maybe if America didn't exploit their cheap labor and help create sustainable jobs and communities in Mexico people wouldn't be coming here so much.
3. In 2009 Operation Fast and Furious sent over 2,000 automatic weapons directly to the cartels and to this day Mexicans can go to gun shows and by automatic weapons with NO BACKGROUND CHECK. It's estimated that about 2,000 guns flow south to Mexico from these gun shows every day. Obama wanted to require background checks but the conservatives said it was an infringement on their rights.

Wake up! America directly contributes to Mexico's violence and poverty but instead of helping to correct their mistakes they use immigrants as a scapegoat for all the country's problems. Immigrants are just looking for a better life.

[Youlielol]

12:46 PM on 11/04/2011

These are probably some of the states that will survive when this country has its' downfall due to whinning Liberals promoting Ilegal Immigration that will bring both the economy and its legal citizens in the rest of America to its' knees!

[luz2409]

12:37 PM on 01/02/2012

Alabama kicked out the illegals and look what happened, their fields are rotting, their stores are closing up and it's a virtual ghost town. Americans need Mexicans and even the white people in Alabama were begging to get the Mexican back because they admitted they could never work as hard as them. Maybe you conservatives will get your way and get all the illegals out. It would be so funny to watch you all try to raise your own kids, clean your own houses, pick your own fruit, cook your own food. America is totally dependent on Mexican labor so I would love to see you all have to actually take care of yourself for a day. Rent "A Day Without a Mexican." It's a little preview of what life will be like for all you racists when you finally get your way. LOL

[Mark Lindley]

08:52 PM on 01/02/2012

You're wrong! Alabama's unemployment rate just went down due to the exit of illegal aliens. Only 3% of illegals are picking crops. There are unlimited H-2A visas for legal agricultural workers so if the crops are rotting in the fields that is what they deserve by hiring illegal aliens instead of using those visas.

Oh my God, please provide proof that Alabamans were begging illegal Mexicans to come back. You are so full of it! What hateful stereotyping and arrogance that Americans don't work as hard as illegal Mexicans. Most Americans watch their own kids, clean their own houses and cook their own food. You are spouting so much crappola it's a wonder that it isn't pouring brown stuff out of your ears. Where did you learn to hate Americans and our laws so much?

[hoochie-coochie]

12:44 PM on 11/04/2011

Put alligators! Daddy wants a new pair of boots.

[Dave Gonzales]

09:49 AM on 11/04/2011

It gets tiring to hear about illegals wanting so-called "justice." While one certainly understands their desire for a better life, what about the millions around the world who also live in harsh conditions, perhaps much harsher in some countries? They also deserve a better life. As a Mexican-American, I think Latinos should find a more substantial cause to support than encouraging breaking the law.

[alijac3]

01:57 PM on 11/04/2011

As a Mexican American you should know that undocumented immigrants want to be treated like human beings and not trash. They are not encouraging breaking laws. Undocumented immigrants and supporters, are in favor of an extensive immigration reform that closes borders and fixes the broken immigration system. They also want to stop unconstitutional laws and end the hate.

[voyager48]

03:03 PM on 11/04/2011

immigration laws and their enforcement are not unconstitutional. Traditionally state and city police have been an integral part of immigration enforcement. It is only since the Feds got involved insisting that it is their sole domain and then not doing enforcement that the problem got out of hand.

Gonzales v. City of Peoria, - “Federal law does not preclude local enforcement of the criminal provisions” of federal immigration law.

United States v. Salinas-Calderon, - “ a state trooper has general investigatory authority to inquire into possible immigration violations.”

United States v. Vasquez-Alvarez, - “state and local law enforcement officers are empowered to arrest for violations of federal law, as long as such arrest is authorized by state law.”

United States v. Santana-Garcia, “that state law enforcement officers have the general authority to investigate and make arrests for violations of federal immigration laws,’ & “federal law ‘evinces a clear invitation from Congress for state and local agencies to participate in the process of enforcing federal immigration laws.’”

United States v. Rodriguez-Arreola, A state trooper did not violate the defendant’s rights by questioning him about his immigration status after pulling him over for speeding.

United States v. Favela-Favela, Did not violate the defendant’s rights by asking questions about his immigration status, after pulling the defendant over for a traffic violation.

United States v. Hernandez-Dominguez, "A state trooper, who has executed a lawful stop, has general investigatory authority to inquire into possible immigration violations."

[dtairtime]

03:11 PM on 11/04/2011

They are treated like humans.

Bettern then many countries treat their citizens and better then they deserve.

If they are not encouraging law breaking then there would not be any support for anything that gives amnesty/pathway/comprehensive reform/or whatever name is in vogue today. If they supported the law they would support E-verify, the end of the abuse of the 14th by anchors and they wouldn't be harboring most of the illegals in their own homes. There is a reason legal immigrants cry and move when these laws are passed and that is because their family and friends are illegals.

We have given out SEVEN amnesties so far. The problem grows after each one. Another won't do anything to help but only encourage and embolden more people from other countries to defy our laws.

[Elena Cubillo]

03:43 AM on 12/31/2011

my children are mexican american and i want them to stand up for all immigrants rights. shame on you for not supporting your parents

[Mark Lindley]

08:58 PM on 01/02/2012

"Immigrant" rights? You mean defending illegal alien lawbreakers, don't you?

[BFind]

03:33 AM on 11/04/2011

They need to be sent back were they came from.I vote only for the people who thinks the same.

[hoochie-coochie]

12:46 PM on 11/04/2011

Yeah, US out of Texas!!!

[ugly american]

01:25 AM on 11/05/2011

Don't make any bets on that one. That game was played before between the same players. The US won and got a bit more than they started with.
If the other player has some more land they would like to bet it might solve the illegal immigration problem by default.

[Elena Cubillo]

03:49 AM on 12/31/2011

you sound like an idiot are you amnerican indian? if not dear you are an immigrant and need sent back

[Mark Lindley]

09:05 PM on 01/02/2012

Again, you're the idiot here. Someone born here is not an immigrant, they are a citizen of this country. Get your head out of the past.

[Mark Lindley]

09:59 PM on 01/02/2012

Aren't you part white European Spaniard? If so, when you going back to Spain?

[RTF372]

03:31 AM on 11/04/2011

These anti-immigration types are on the wrong side of history.

[Mark Lindley]

11:05 AM on 11/04/2011

"Anti-"immigration" types? We aren't against immigration we are opposed to illegal immigration. What does history have to do with the year 2011 and our immigration laws in place today?

[RTF372]

02:10 PM on 11/04/2011

Trust me, everyone knows what you're really against.

[Youlielol]

12:40 PM on 11/04/2011

RTF372 What is it that you do not understand about ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION???

[RTF372]

02:09 PM on 11/04/2011

Like I said. History books are going to paint of bleak picture of your ilk.

[Satirist1]

12:51 AM on 11/04/2011

Tall fences make excellent neighbors..

[hoochie-coochie]

12:45 PM on 11/04/2011

Mexicans are usually hired to make the tall fences, neighbor.

[Youlielol]

12:53 PM on 11/04/2011

LOL:)

[Satirist1]

01:21 PM on 11/04/2011

As long as the fence is nice and tall, all across the Southern border, I don't car who builds it.
Actually I do! I prefer the jobs go to U.S. unionized labor with full e-Verify authorization. Not some illiterate Chihuahua farmer. You?

[ugly american]

01:34 AM on 11/05/2011

Mexico knows that. The one between them and Guatemala does an excellent job. It has cut down on illegal traffic from the South by 80%.
And they can be proud because it was built with Mexican labor and American money.

[azlegalcitizen]

04:55 AM on 11/05/2011

BUT OBAMA CAN'T WON'T LET US BUILD AN ADEQUATE FENCE SYSTEM HERE. WE HAVE SUPPORTED MEX FOR SO LONG AND MOST AMERICANS HAVE NO IDEA OF THE BILLIONS SLIPPED INTO TO MEXICO AND MOST ENDS UP IN RICH POLIITCANS POCKETS.

[Kurfco]

12:16 AM on 11/04/2011

One fact not pointed out in this story: contrary to conventional wisdom, states have been attempting since the mid 1990's to do something about the illegal immigration mess allowed by the Feds. These efforts started long before the current economic downturn. The Feds have not only failed to enforce our laws, but have actively thwarted the States in their efforts to do so. The pattern persists to today.

[azlegalcitizen]

04:57 AM on 11/05/2011

IKE GOT RID OF 4.5 MILLION WHICH IS ABOUT LIKE OUR 20 MILLION NOW IF YOU COMPARE THE POPULATION NUMBERS. HE SIMPLY SAID YOU HAVE 30 DAYS, GO HOME STAY HOMEAND DON'T COME BACK OR ELSE YOU WILL PAY THE PENALTY. IT WORKED TOO BECAUSE THE MEXICANS ACTUALLY BELIEVED A STRONG PRESIDENT WHO WOULD KEEP HIS WORD AND HIS CITIZENS SAFE AND EMPLOYED.

[beobnoxious]

11:56 PM on 11/03/2011

I think people need to sto making this a race issue, its not about race it doesnt matter if your mexican or German if you come to the united states yu better have legal rite to be here.It just so happens latin America is on or doorstep so the majority of ilegals are of latino decent but we dont want them out because of where they come from we want them out because they are here illegally. Illegals take jobs and opportunities from American citizens they suck money and resources from the system. I dont hate illegals anymore then i hate someone who steals my car. Another thing that really riles me is the fact that they come to America and want to protest against our laws and our gov but they dont do it in their own country. I dont go around assuming every Latino is an illegal or pointing them in the direction of ICE, and for the most part i dont even care if their here it is what it is but when they start protesting and complaining about our laws thats when i tell em if you dont like it get out.

[Joe Bellon]

11:25 PM on 11/03/2011

Interesting video about immigration policy: http://www.thepermutation.com/expert-testimony/3-expert-testimony/52-debate-coaches-on-us-immigration-policy

[Nativo Lopez IX]

11:22 PM on 11/03/2011

If the number of illegal aliens violating our borders, sending their offspring to our public schools after birthing them at our tax-payer funded hospitals wasn't so obscene then you probably wouldn't see such "harsh" laws being enacted. But we have an epidemic on our hands and sometime strong medicine is required to subdue a spreading problem.

[hoochie-coochie]

12:46 PM on 11/04/2011

Numbers please.

[dtairtime]

03:14 PM on 11/04/2011

5 4 9 2

Are those good numbers? Or do you wish to be more specific?

[azlegalcitizen]

04:59 AM on 11/05/2011

ONE ILLEGAL ALIEN IS ONE TOO MANY.

[j4bs4209333]

10:56 PM on 11/03/2011

Maybe the governor of Alabama should run for president. It's about time some states have put their foot down and stopped the free handouts. The only negative aspect is that I think they all moved here (MA) instead. This state hands these people free food, health care, welfare etc. And our useless governor refuses to do anything about it.

[hoochie-coochie]

12:47 PM on 11/04/2011

Yeah, Alabama: The numbero uno state taking handouts.

[azlegalcitizen]

05:00 AM on 11/05/2011

GET RID OF THE YOUR USELESS GOV. IT STARTS WITH JUST ONE WHO DESIRES CHANGE.