The article is about the recent passing of laws in Alabama that are due to come into effect later in the year. The law propose stringent measures to curb the flow of immigrants into Alabama. The most controversial part of the law is the treatment or lack thereof of immigrants once already in the State of Alabama.
The article is tailored towards the general American public and more specifically, the section of American society particularly concerned with illegal immigration. These includes those living near state borders, those who employ immigrants, those who have immigrants living amongst them and those fighting for or against the rights of immigrants or immigration itself.
The author tries to bring out the extremity of these new laws in Alabama using various rhetorical techniques. These include comparison with other state laws, analysis of the casual effect of these laws and exemplification.
The author begins by bringing out the perspectives form both critics and supporters of illegal immigration laws. The fact that these tow differing sides of the same argument agree to the fact that these are indeed the toughest law yet on immigration serves to show the audience and the general public that all factors considered and perspectives looked into there can be no doubt that these are indeed the toughest laws yet. If this were not so then the supporters of the law would be terming them rudimentary or lacking in substance.
The author then provides examples of certain provisions of law that would affect aspects of everyday life for both immigrants and ordinary Americans. These provisions cut across the security apparatus, transport system, educational institutions and businesses in Alabama. By providing these examples the author drives home the fact that life in Alabama will change due to these laws no matter the given sector or industry, the impact will be widespread.
The author also brings out the uniqueness of the laws showing how they have moved above and beyond existing legislation in other states. A good example of this uniqueness is that no other schools in America are required to sieve through birth certificate records or sworn affidavits to ascertain the immigration status of its residents.
Finally, the author further brings out the extremity of the laws by stating reactions to the same. The US Justice Department has sued the State of Alabama over these laws, civil rights activists have mounted campaigns to try and get the governor to veto the bill.
The author has carefully articulated and structured his argument thus providing a good read and is substantive in matter for those willing to learn a bit more about Alabama state laws on immigration and their impact on the society there.
Works Cited
Alabama passes 'toughest illegal immigration law in US.' The Guardian, 2011. Friday 10 June
2011 http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/10/alabama-illegal-immigration-law.
19th December 2011
