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

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:

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

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.

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

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

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

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

– 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.