Immigration Reform: Another Failed Alabama Economic Policy by The GOP

September 20, 2011 by Left in Alabama

The main reason for the downturn in both this nation and state's economy is that our leaders do not know how to read. I know this sounds funny, but think about it. History has proven that an unregulated market leads to economic turmoil. We did not learn our message in 1929 and again in 2008. However, with another issue, the State of Alabama has repeated another failed part of history.

Earlier this year Governor Bentley signed the Immigration Reform into to law. This bill is said to be the toughest in the nation. It seems the GOP and Governor Bentley followed the guidelines of Arizona, North Carolina, and Georgia. However, the Governor did not understand the end results.

The Immigration Reform Bill has played havoc on various state economies. North Carolina passed an Immigration Reform Bill over the Governor's Veto and had to quickly reform the bill. Depsite this Georgia passed a similar law and found itself in the same boat. Now the State of Alabama can be added to this list. 

The economic problem attributed to Immigration Reform is found in farming. Most farmers use immigrants for cheap labor. The labor is used for harvesting. However, this has become a problem since most immigrants have packed up their bags and moved to states operating in the 21st Century and not the 1950's. Farmers are now lobbying law makers to change the Immigration Reform Act. Farmers believe the bill will damage their economy. Right now the number of workers in the farming industry has decreased because of the law. Farmers will not get another one to replace the workers at the same wage. This will surely send the price of most produce through the roof. This Act is demonstrating a lack of leadership on the part of Governor Bentley.

Before signing the Immigration Reform, Governor Bentley was given every opportunity to rethink the idea and he posed specific examples relating to the economy. However, Governor Bentley ignored all the data in front of him and signed the bill. Alabama may face rising prices on produce due to scarcity or the increased cost of doing business. 

Is the State of Alabama really in "good hands" with Governor Dr. Robert Bentley?