Children petition governor to scrap immigration law

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By Jeremy Redmon

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Opponents of Georgia’s new anti-illegal immigration law say they delivered a petition with 10,000 signatures to Gov. Nathan Deal’s office Wednesday, asking him to call a special legislative session to scrap the measure, also called House Bill 87.

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Bob Andres, bandres@ajc.com Yesenia Granados makes a statement protesting HB87 in Gov. Nathan Deal's office.

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Children of migrant workers from South Georgia chant outside the state Capitol in protest of the state's immigration legislation. Julie and Salvador Contreras from the League of United Latin American Citizens accompanied the children, who are citizens.

Bob Andres, bandres@ajc.com Children of migrant workers from South Georgia chant outside the state Capitol in protest of the state's immigration legislation. Julie and Salvador Contreras from the League of United Latin American Citizens accompanied the children, who are citizens.

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The Coalition to Rescind HB 87 says the law is damaging the state’s economy and harming immigrant families. The coalition includes farmers and the children of migrant workers.

A spokeswoman for the governor said Deal stands by HB 87, which he signed into law last month.

"The governor always stands by the rule of law and stands by the legislation that enforces the rules of law," said Deal spokeswoman Stephanie Mayfield.

Proponents of the law say the measure will help prevent illegal immigrants from straining the state’s taxpayer-funded public schools, hospitals and jails.