Civil Rights Groups Target Alabama's Immigration Law

"Opponents of Alabama's stringent immigration law said their next phase of attack will include a new legal challenge and a "public education" campaign targeting the state's tourism and auto industries.  Wade Henderson, CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, said that, since efforts to appeal to lawmakers have been met with indifference, groups are attempting to up the ante in their effort to get the law repealed or greatly modified.  "Our message to the Legislature is simple. If we can't appeal to your humanity, we then will appeal to your pocketbooks," Henderson said in a conference call with reporters.  Participants in the call included representatives from the Southern Poverty Law Center and the United Auto Workers. Lawmakers this month approved revisions to the state's immigration law instead of repealing it as opponents wanted.   Henderson said there will be "targeted advertising" to discourage tourists and groups from choosing Alabama for their vacations and conferences." - Birmingham News, May 31, 2012.