Protests greet signing of immigration bill

ATLANTA - A group of about 20 protesters, their arms linked to form a human chain, stood outside Gov. Nathan Deal's office Friday after the signing of the controversial immigration bill, chanting ``Shame on you'' and ``We won't leave'' before moving outside to join another several dozen on the sidewalk outside the Capitol for an impromptu rally.<br /> <br /> They were planning a town hall meeting Friday evening and are also pulling together plans for a summer of action, including a work stoppage on July 1, the day most parts of the law are set to take effect, and a march in Atlanta the following day. <br /> <br /> ``HB 87 was signed today, but our work continues,'' Lisa Adler of Amnesty International told the crowd gathered outside the Capitol. <br /> <br /> Gov. Deal signed the ceremony at noon Friday. (See separate story.)<br /> <br /> A requirement for private employers to use a federal database called E-Verify to check the immigration status of new hires is set to be phased in, with all employers with more than 10 employees required to comply by July 2013. <br /> <br /> Opponents of the measure say it could lead to racial profiling and could harm the state's economy, while supporters say it's necessary because illegal immigrants are a drain on Georgia's resources. <br /> <br /> Atlanta immigration lawyer Charles Kuck said he's working with several national groups to pull together a lawsuit challenging the Georgia law.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/5/238660