Lawmakers Push For Tougher Immigration Legislation In 2025

A group of Alabama lawmakers recently returned from a multi-day visit to the U.S.-Mexico border in McAllen, Texas, where they gathered insights to shape new state-level immigration laws. With plans to introduce legislation in 2025, the lawmakers aim to crack down on illegal immigration, focusing particularly on human trafficking and entities profiting from migrants.

The border visit took place last week, with Alabama legislators traveling to Texas to observe the immigration situation firsthand. The group participated in a tour organized by the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which paid for lodging and travel costs.

The purpose of the trip was to gather information that could inform the creation of a new legislative package aimed at curbing illegal immigration in Alabama. Although specific details of the proposed bills have not been finalized, lawmakers emphasized targeting human trafficking and making Alabama a less appealing destination for undocumented immigrants. Representative Brock Colvin, R-Albertville, noted that human trafficking is a key concern, describing the situation as a “humanitarian issue” with many immigrants being exploited.

Alabama lawmakers are looking to Texas as a model. The state’s Republican leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott, have enacted strict immigration enforcement policies, which officials credit with reducing illegal immigration. Alabama legislators, such as Rep. Wes Kitchens, R-Arab, believe that similar measures could be adopted in their state to achieve comparable results.

While acknowledging that immigration policy is primarily a federal responsibility, the Alabama lawmakers criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the border crisis. They expressed a desire to address immigration issues at the state level, with the aim of reducing the number of undocumented immigrants in Alabama.

Senator Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, stressed the need for Alabama to become as “inhospitable” to illegal migrants as Texas. He argued that while the state cannot directly change federal immigration laws, it can pass legislation to deter undocumented immigrants from settling in Alabama.

During the visit, lawmakers and law enforcement officials spoke with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) agents to better understand state-led enforcement strategies. The Alabama delegation also observed the role non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play in aiding migrants. Representative Kitchens highlighted that many migrants come from countries without agreements to share criminal records with the U.S., raising security concerns.

The trip was especially relevant to Alabama’s Marshall County, an area with a significant immigrant population, largely drawn to the local poultry industry. Recently, schools in the area have faced challenges due to an influx of Haitian immigrants, many of whom have been granted temporary protected status through 2026. Language barriers, particularly with Haitian Creole-speaking students, have posed additional challenges for local educators.

Representative Jeana Ross, R-Guntersville, who has a background in education, pointed to immigration’s strain on the school system as a major concern. Ross and other lawmakers are expected to propose a comprehensive legislative package before the 2025 session begins, addressing the challenges posed by mass immigration in some Alabama communities.

The Alabama lawmakers’ visit to the U.S.-Mexico border has laid the groundwork for a push to introduce tougher state-level immigration laws in 2025. While immigration is largely a federal issue, state officials are determined to adopt measures that would make Alabama a less attractive destination for undocumented immigrants. As lawmakers prepare to introduce legislation, they emphasize the need for accurate information and preparedness to avoid mistakes that could compromise national and state security.

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