BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Parents living in Alabama illegally say they are terrified by the state's strict immigration crackdown, and advocates say some are making plans for others to take care of their children if they are arrested or deported.
Social worker Jazmin Rivera says she helps dozens of Spanish-speaking immigrants fill out paperwork each week. Many immigrants sign power of attorney forms that allow someone else to care for their children if needed. Rivera says people are scared and want to make sure their children are cared for.
State Sen. Scott Beason, a key Republican sponsor of the new law, says such concerns never were raised when lawmakers considered the measure. He says such stories may be designed to build sympathy for illegal immigrants.
On Friday, the Obama administration Friday sought an immediate order blocking Alabama's strict new immigration law pending appeal, arguing that it was already driving immigrants out of the state.
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