Georgia, known for having some of the strictest immigration laws in the country, implemented even tougher measures following the death of Laken Riley, allegedly at the hands of an undocumented immigrant. Despite these efforts, illegal immigration continues to be a pressing issue in the state.
The primary reason for this influx is employment. Many individuals crossing the border illegally are drawn to Georgia’s booming job market, looking to settle in and earn money quickly. The state offers abundant work opportunities, particularly in industries that often rely on immigrant labor.
On May 1, Governor Brian Kemp signed HB 1105, a law requiring police officers to check the immigration status of individuals they arrest. The law, which took immediate effect, is part of a broader strategy to address illegal immigration.
This comes after a sharp rise in illegal immigration in 2023, following the expiration of Title 42, a COVID-era policy that restricted immigration. The end of Title 42 in March prompted concern from Kemp, who warned that it would increase the risks of fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling. On the other side, Georgia immigration attorney Charles Kuck argued that removing the restriction would help employers struggling with labor shortages, particularly in industries dependent on immigrant workers.
While HB 1105 has been praised by many, particularly Republicans, it has also drawn sharp criticism. State Representative Kasey Carpenter (R-Dalton) faced backlash from his own party after voting against the bill. The Whitfield County Republican Party censured Carpenter, who voiced concerns that the bill could lead to racial profiling and legal issues for local sheriffs and officials. Carpenter’s district includes a large Hispanic population, which likely influenced his stance.
Pro-immigrant activists have also spoken out against HB 1105, especially in light of the death of Cambric Dennis, a migrant farmworker who passed away in ICE custody at the Stewart Detention Center on May 29. His death, the second at a Georgia ICE facility in just months, has fueled concerns about the treatment of migrants in the state.
As the debate over immigration intensifies, Georgia remains at the center of a national conversation about the balance between safety, employment needs, and civil rights.
