BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Hispanics living in Alabama are staging protests of the state’s new law cracking down on illegal immigration.

About a half-dozen poultry plants that employ thousands in north Alabama are planning to close or scale back operations Wednesday because of a work stoppage being promoted by Hispanic residents and their supporters.

Other types of businesses in places like metropolitan Birmingham could be affected if Hispanics there don’t show up for work.

The protests are being promoted partly through the use of social media like Facebook. Supporters say they want to show the economic impact of Hispanics in Alabama and demonstrate solidarity in opposition to the law.

The Obama administration is among the critics of the new law asking a federal appeals court to block enforcement.