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Posted: Fri 8:51 PM, Dec 23, 2011
Reporter: Associated Press

U.S. Labor Secretary Criticizes Alabama's Immigration Law

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- The U.S. Secretary of Labor says anyone working in Alabama has the right to be paid the federal minimum wage, regardless of their immigration status.

Secretary Hilda Solis is encouraging anyone denied the federal minimum wage or overtime pay to contact the Department of Labor.

Solis made the statement on the department's blog. She also criticized Alabama's law for making it a crime for an illegal immigrant to enter into a business transaction, such as signing an apartment lease or getting utility service.

She said imprisoning someone for seeking shelter is "beneath the dignity of this great nation."

Solis is the latest member of President Obama's administration to speak out against the law. The Justice Department is challenging the law in federal court.

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