MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama House of Representatives voted Tuesday to block state funds to colleges and universities that declare themselves so-called sanctuary campuses for immigrants in the country illegally.
House members voted 72-28 for the bill to authorize the attorney general to block state funds to colleges that do not follow state and federal immigration law. The measure now moves to the Alabama Senate.
Rep. Phil Williams, the bill’s sponsor, acknowledged no Alabama college has announced intent to flout immigration laws but argued that one might do so in the future. He said the state should be proactive instead of waiting for that to happen.
“It’s designed to be an incentive to our university presidents to follow state and federal immigration law,” said Williams, R-Huntsville.
Democrats questioned the need for the bill, arguing that the state had more pressing problems.
“Do you see why the public thinks we are ridiculous? Why don’t we deal with Medicaid? Why don’t we deal with fully funding (children’s services)?” asked Rep. Patricia Todd, D-Birmingham.
“We have no business here at eight o’clock at night on a silly bill like this, no business at all,” said Rep. John Knight, D-Montgomery.
