Washington, DC—Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) released the following statement about the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to block parts of Alabama’s new immigration law:

"I am pleased that the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has intervened and stayed certain provisions of Alabama’s Immigration Law. The provisions that were blocked would have required proof of lawful residency in the United States and would have tracked immigration information about newly enrolled students. I believe that Alabama's immigration law is overly broad and opens the door to subjective profiling, which creates uncertainty and distress in our communities. The unfortunate and unintended consequences resulting from this law has already been experienced in our state's schools, in long lines at our Departments of Motor Vehicles and in the mass exodus of many Hispanic Americans from Alabama. These citizens are fearful of the impact this law may have on their families, communities and work environments. Many of the provisions that have not been blocked by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals are equally overreaching in their scope and should also be revisited. It is the job of our federal government to ensure consistency in America’s approach to the growing need for a comprehensive plan that addresses our nation's immigrant population.  I look forward to working in Congress on a comprehensive federal immigration policy that is balanced and fair.”

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Contact:          Kendra Key;  (202) 225-2665;  Kendra.Key@mail.house.gov