A Texas bill is gaining momentum as it aims to empower state police with the authority to apprehend migrants crossing the southern border.
As reported by the Texas Tribune, the Texas State Senate has taken steps to advance two immigration-related bills, further escalating the ongoing immigration debate in the state.
Texas Bill
Senate Bill 11, in particular, has garnered attention for its potential impact on asylum-seekers and other immigrants, proposing to categorize their entry into Texas from Mexico as a state crime. This bill, if enacted, would authorize state police to apprehend and prosecute those found in violation.
A first-time offender under this proposed legislation could face a misdemeanor conviction. However, individuals with a criminal record or repeat offenders could be charged with a felony, escalating the legal consequences.
The second Texas bill under consideration aims to raise the minimum sentence for those involved in migrant smuggling, adding another layer to the state’s efforts in border control.
Opposition
Despite the bills’ advancement, they have faced strong opposition from organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the ACLU of Texas. Critics have labeled these legislative moves as “extremist” and “anti-immigrant,” expressing concerns that implementing such measures could overwhelm local jails and require substantial funding.
Governor Abbott has been involved in a controversial practice of busing migrants from Texas to large Democratic sanctuary cities in the North. This practice has raised intense debate, with Abbott attributing it to President Joe Biden’s policies. According to reports from The New York Times, Texas has transported more than 50,000 migrants north, leading to a migrant shelter crisis in various cities, including New York City, Chicago, and Denver.
The proposed legislation and the broader debate surrounding immigration in Texas will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of intense scrutiny and discussion in the coming months.
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