Reuters (05/16/12) Kelli Dugan

Alabama legislators have passed a bill that would make some small changes to the state’s immigration law. The law would remain largely intact, but the changes may serve to fend off legal challenges to the bill. Companies in the state have fought the law, HB 56, arguing that it has led to the exodus of Latino workers from the state and resulted in a labor shortage. The changes to the law include a new component that would permit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to publish the names of illegal immigrants who are brought to court on charges of violating state law, even if they are not then convicted.