Any undocumented in Texas could be detained if a new law is approved.
Foto:
John Moore / Getty Images
A new anti-immigrant law takes shape in Texas; is being pushed by Republicans in the state Congress who are seeking to create a special unit to stop undocumented immigrants, in an action where civilians would also participate; the project is described by Democrats as the “death squad.”
The main driver is Dade PhelanSpeaker of the Texas House of Representatives, who said he will do everything possible to “protect the border” with the new law.
“We’re going to introduce a bill… I hope, make national headlines and change the conversation about border security, and we hope to take the battle all the way to the Supreme Court and allow Texas to protect its own border,” Phelan said.
The plan is for all undocumented immigrants to be considered criminals, so they could be detained and face up to a year in state prison if it is their first irregular entry into the country, but two years if they are a repeat offender.
Those undocumented with a criminal record could even face life in prison, indicates a report from The Intercept.
The legislation is known as the “Border Protection Unit Act”a police force where any citizen could also participate.
Texas Democrats, such as Victoria Neave Criado, Democratic chair of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC), charge that the proposal will create a “death squad.”
“This dangerous, radical and unconstitutional proposal that empowers border guards to hunt down migrants and racial profiling Latinos will result in the deaths of innocent people,” he warned.
Keep reading:
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· IRS warning about ITINs that immigrants should take into account
· Why the ITIN is so important and necessary for undocumented immigrants
