A study released last week in Alabama reported the state's crackdown on illegal immigration could cost the Alabama economy up to $10.8 billion. A cost-benefit analysis done by a University of Alabama economist said up to 80,000 jobs could be lost in the state. The range of impact was anywhere from $2.3 billion to $10.8 billion.

Yet, despite the dire report in the study, Alabama's unemployment rate in December reported the biggest decline in the country, falling from 8.7% in November to 8.1%in December. Much of that was seasonal hiring. The January figures for Alabama are not available.