ATLANTA -- Jose Castro says there is something different today about Buford Highway, well known for its many Hispanic and other ethnic businesses.

Standing at a bus stop, Castro -- who is from Mexico -- says the area in metro Atlanta is missing its usual hustle and bustle today.

Immigrant communities encouraged a work stoppage to protest a bill passed by the Georgia House yesterday that allows sweeping changes to the state's immigration policies. Some estimate that as many as 800,000 would take part in the protest.

The bill, which must still be approved by the state Senate before going to Governor Perdue, would deny state services to adults living in the U.S. illegally and impose a five percent surcharge on wire transfers from illegals.

Supporters say the plan is a vital homeland security measure that frees up limited state service for Georgia residents who are legally entitled to them. Opponents say it unfairly targets workers who are merely responding to the demands of some of the state's largest industries.

At the Latin American Association, spokesman Josh Hopkins says his center has been inundated with calls from Hispanic residents confused by the bill. The center will host a forum Sunday with legal experts who can tell the community more about the plan.