House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) defended Republican House members who voted for a 2024 bill that would’ve allowed some illegal immigrants to attend public colleges and universities in Alabama.
House Bill 210 by State Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road) passed the House and a Senate committee in 2024 but died on the Senate floor and didn’t become law.
It would’ve amended the state's prohibition against illegal immigrants enrolling in or attending any public postsecondary education institution. The bill would’ve made exceptions for those who have attended a high school for three or more years, graduated, earned a GED certification, or completed other equivalent education, and have filed for a lawful presence in the United States.
The bill has been included in mailers from Alabama Values PAC, recently sent out, opposing numerous incumbent state lawmakers.
Ledbetter called the mailers a “baldfaced lie” in a statement over the weekend.
“Last-minute attack ads by a Wisconsin consultant are claiming Phillip Pettus voted to give illegal immigrants 'free college' and put them ahead of Alabama families. That is not true - it is a baldfaced lie. House Bill 210 was supported by 63 out of 75 Republicans. Does anyone believe Republican legislators voted to hand out free college education to illegal immigrants? NO. The Bill states, 'an alien who is not lawfully in the United States shall not be eligible for any postsecondary education benefit, including, but not limited to, scholarships, grants, or financial Aid.' Our House republicans have done nothing to support illegal immigration - but we have done a heck of a lot to fight it,” Ledbetter said. Alabama now has the toughest criminal penalties in the nation for fentanyl trafficking, and much of that comes directly from Mexican drug cartels.”
He continued, “We passed laws requiring law enforcement officers to verify the legal status of suspects and made aiding and abetting illegal immigrants a Class C felony.”
“And thanks to legislation passed by our members, Alabama’s law enforcement officers are working with ICE while other states are working to undermine their efforts,” Ledbetter added. “When it comes to protecting our communities and fighting illegal immigration, This Legislature has delivered. Any candidate or out of state dark money group saying otherwise is simply lying and misleading voters.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
