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Part of the law SB4 goes into effect in Texas and gives more years in prison to those who transport undocumented immigrants.

AdminFebruary 7, 2024

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Dallas, Texas.- This February 6, a part The controversial Texas SB4 law What does it propose? Higher penalties for transporting undocumented immigrants to “encourage” him to stay in the country.

The legislation, promoted by the House of Representatives and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, is similar to some of the rules already in place, but Classifies the transfer of undocumented immigrants as “human trafficking” and proposes a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years.

The new law, which was approved by the House of Representatives on October 26 and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott on December 18, proposes more severe consequences primarily for human traffickers, or “coyotes,” and those who run so-called “kennels.” . “

The measure is added to the second part SB4 legislation that gives the state of Texas the power to detain undocumented immigrants, ask them about their legal status and issue deportation orders. in another country, if it is proven that he entered the United States illegally. The latter is the one that will come into effect from March 5.

We spoke with Iris Torres, an immigration lawyer, to clarify the main concerns of the hearings on the enactment of SB4 in Texas. These are some questions and their answers:

Do Uber drivers have to ask for documents from passengers?

Answer: No, the law only focuses on people who have participated in human trafficking.

If I am involved in an accident, can the police ask about my immigration status?

Answer: You may be asked, but the second part of the law, which will be on March 5, has not been passed yet. The law says the driver can face up to 10 years in prison, but the sentence can be reduced if he is a relative of the person.

What if I’m returning to Mexico by bus…?

Answer: It does not mean that the officer will arrest you. Additionally, one may avoid answering the question.

Is the law just for people who bring immigrants over the border or is it for all of Texas?

Answer: Only for people who have brought immigrants, who have participated in human trafficking, such as the so-called “coyotes.”

If I bring a family member and they don’t have documents, will I be penalized?

Answer: Not necessarily, the penalty is for human trafficking.

Should families who take their children to school or to the shops fear this law?

Answer: No, currently this is for people who participate in human trafficking.

What if I am an undocumented immigrant?

– Keep your vehicle registration updated.
– Drive carefully.
– Don’t show fake ID.
– And if you are detained, you can remain silent unless you have a lawyer.

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These criminal cases cannot be applied retroactively. That is, if immigrants have already entered Texas, the law cannot be applied to them, explains attorney Ryd Gonzalez.

deposit: Associated Press

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This is how Texas has reacted to the SB 4 legislation. Keep reading to see if it might affect you.

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Under SB 4, immigrants cannot be arrested in public places such as schools, hospitals or churches. However, if you are taking another person for medical treatment, they may suffer consequences if the police want to stop them. SB 4 does not consider universities, which can also represent risks for those studying.

deposit: Associated Press

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For lawyers, the Texas law is one of the strongest in the nation against immigrants, as it allows officers to arrest people they suspect are undocumented. However, groups opposing SB 4 say it opens the door to racial discrimination, as any suspicion of being an immigrant could lead to an immigrant’s arrest.

deposit: Associated Press

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SB 4 does not specify where in Texas it would be implemented. Some politicians have mentioned that it can only be implemented near the border, but the law is not clear and does not say where it will be carried out, Gonzalez explains.

deposit: Associated Press

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Gonzalez says that SB 4 clashes with federal law, which considers that there are people who request their right to request asylum in the United States. SB 4 doesn’t contemplate that, so the Supreme Court will have to decide, they expect in Texas.

deposit: Associated Press

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“Anyone is subject to abuse and arrest,” says the lawyer. “They deprive you of your liberty, of your rights, which are guaranteed to you by the Constitution of the United States, simply because somebody thinks you are here illegally.”

deposit: Associated Press

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