MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. - Unemployment numbers are down across Alabama. In Marshall County, a place known for its sizeable Hispanic population, the drop in unemployment is even more dramatic.
Since lawmakers passed the illegal immigration law in June, a steady stream of illegal immigrants has left, paving the way for new employment opportunities for citizens.
State Representative Kerry Rich (R-Dist 26), along with other lawmakers, feels the drop in unemployment has a lot to do with the new law. Rich says, "There's no question in my mind whatsoever that the unemployment going down in Marshall County in the past few months has been directly because of the immigration law."
When the state immigration law was passed in June, unemployment in Marshall County was 9.9%. In October, it dropped to 8.1%. Rich says before the law was introduced, the number of jobless residents was a different story: “Our unemployment numbers in Marshall County for several months had gone up somewhat. They were a little over 10% at one point."
Changes are visible across the county. The Albertville Career Center Manager says he's seen more people successfully gain employment. And Rich says a number of local employers, particularly poultry plants once heavily populated with Hispanics, are making a real effort to hire legal citizens.
He explains, "Most of them are already complying. Wayne Farms, they've already had a job fair, and I think a very successful job fair, and some of the other employers are making a real effort, too."
Rich has a hunch the unemployment rate will continue to drop as more illegal immigrants flee the state. And that’s something he feels many of his constituents will appreciate.
Rich says, “People on Sand Mountain have had to tolerate this for years, and I think most people are happy that something is beginning to happen that's positive in this area."
Rich adds that he's not opposed to seasonal work visas, which would allow workers to come here legally. It’s a topic currently being discussed on the federal level, as some industries like farming have had a tough time replacing illegal immigrants.
