Alabama tweaks state immigration law

MONTGOMERY, Ala., May 17 (UPI) -- The Alabama legislature tweaked the state's stringent new immigration law on the final day of its session.

At a news conference Thursday, Gov. Robert Bentley said he is calling a special session to consider additional changes in the law, including removal of at least one provision approved Wednesday, the Montgomery Advertiser reported. That provision requires the state Department of Homeland Security to post lists of illegal aliens who have made court appearances.

Another change bars the department from ordering businesses to prove they are in compliance with the law.

The legislature also expanded the identification that can be used to prove legal residency, a change suggested after a German executive for Mercedes-Benz was arrested when he could not produce a driver's license.

Bentley said he wants to get rid of a provision requiring schools to get information on students' status when they enroll.

"I just don't want children to be asked about their parents' legal status," he said.

While the House and Senate voted Wednesday, protesters demonstrated in the Capitol building in Montgomery. Seven people were arrested, including Mary Bauer, legal director of the Southern Poverty Law Center, which is challenging the Alabama law in court.