ALBERTVILLE, Ala. - Businesses closed and hundreds of children were out of class as Hispanic immigrants protested Alabama's tough new crackdown on illegal immigration.<br />
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At least a half-dozen poultry plants closed or slowed operations in heavily Hispanic northeast Alabama on Wednesday.<br />
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Dozens of immigrant-owned stores and other businesses were closed, and workers at other establishments say customers are few and far between.<br />
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School officials are reporting high absentee rates among Hispanic students in northeast Alabama.<br />
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The protests are being promoted partly through the use of Facebook and other social media. Supporters say they want to show the economic impact of Hispanic people in Alabama and demonstrate solidarity in opposition to the law.<br />
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The Obama administration is among the critics of the new law who are asking a federal appeals court to block enforcement.
