MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Hundreds crowded the Alabama Statehouse courtyard to protest the state's immigration law that is among the toughest in the nation.
Protesters chanted in English and Spanish before moving into the Statehouse Tuesday to deliver heart-shaped lollipops and Valentine's cards calling for the law's repeal.
Alabama legislators say a bill will be introduced in the coming weeks to make subtle changes to the law but that it won't be overhauled.
Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice coordinator Zayne Smith says the rally was meant to send a message of love and respect for immigrants. She says changes to the law won't go far enough and a full repeal is needed.
The president of the Alabama Federation of Republican Women said in a statement that the law is working to lower unemployment.
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