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.