Alabama has been at the forefront of the national news recently as a result of the passage of the Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, more commonly known as Alabama's immigration bill or HB 56.

Since its passage in June, the bill has been hotly debated by people on all sides of the issue as the people of Alabama struggle to understand the complexities and implications of the different provisions outlined. Some of these provisions have been challenged with varying outcomes, as the new law continues to make its way through the legal process.

The Birmingham News reported today that key state senators "are compiling a list of changes that need to be made to Alabama's new immigration law, described as the nation's toughest." The paper added that Sen. Jabo Waggoner, a Vestavia Republican, who became chairman of the powerful Senate Rules Committee this week, said "there is wide agreement that the bill had several 'unintended consequences' that need to be addressed."

Meanwhile, at a meeting this week, The Birmingham Jewish Federation's Board of Directors adopted the following statement pertaining to our state's new immigration law:

The Birmingham Jewish Federation Board of Directors acknowledges that there is a diversity of opinion in our community regarding Alabama's new immigration law. The BJF encourages people to study this issue, form their opinions and make their views known to Gov. Robert Bentley, Attorney General Luther Strange and the State Legislature. Given our history as Jews, the issue of immigration is very important to us and we should make a special effort to become as informed as possible.

We encourage our Governor, Attorney General and State Legislature to review the effects and implications of the new Alabama law, especially in areas where it is causing problems and confusion, and make modifications where necessary as quickly as possible. It is imperative that this new law not abridge the rights of or create discomfort for Alabama's legal immigrants in any way.

We are fearful that this new law has the potential to lead to human rights abuses in our state and continue to engender highly negative publicity nationally for the state of Alabama.

The Birmingham Jewish Federation believes that illegal immigration is a problem in our country. We believe there is a need for more secure borders and immigration reform that focuses on the safety and security of our country's citizens. We urge Congress to undertake immigration reform measures that can be applied thoughtfully and humanely and protect the interests of the American people.

The Birmingham Jewish Federation will continue to strive to create opportunities for people to learn more about this new legislation, encourage people to express their views to our elected officials and monitor its implications for the citizens of Alabama.

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IMMIGRATION FORUM NOV. 22

The BJF's Jewish Community Relations Coalition, in an effort to help our community better understand our state's new immigration law, has assembled a panel of community leaders who will discuss HB 56 from different perspectives.

This discussion, which will provide the opportunity for questions, will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 6-7:15 pm at the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School, 4000 Montclair Road. The public is invited.

Panelists will include Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale; Isabel Rubio, Executive Director of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama; Alabama State Rep. Ed Henry, who voted in favor of the legislation; and John Norris, Managing Director, Head of Wealth Management for Oakworth Capital, who was suggested by the Birmingham Business Alliance. The panel will be moderated by BJF Executive Director Richard Friedman.

The BJF encourages community members to attend this forum to learn more about the new law and its provisions, effects and implications. We encourage members of the Jewish community to become educated, make up their own minds and voice their opinions to Gov. Bentley and our State Legislature.

To RSVP, contact Donna Berry at The BJF at 205-879-0416 or donnab@bjf.org.