Justice Dept. Sends Letter On Ala. Immigration Law
Montgomery, AL – The U.S. Justice Department says Alabama's immigration law is having a significant impact on the state's Hispanic students.
The department writes in a letter to state Superintendent Tommy Bice that a review of state records shows the law has caused Hispanic students to skip and drop out of school in higher rates.
The letter released late on Thursday says the law has also chilled or prevented parental participation in children's education and made some schools less safe and welcoming for Hispanic students.
Bice writes in a statement any negative effects on attendance were minimized by applying a process requiring documentation for enrollment to all students, not just Hispanics.
The Southern Poverty Law Center says in a statement that it is thankful for the federal Civil Rights Division's continued investigation.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)