On Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law the controversial Senate Bill 4, legislation that allows state law enforcement to arrest undocumented immigrants.
According to CBS News, SB4 will become officially effective in March 2024.
The bill states that those found guilty of illegal entry into the state may face a fine up to $2,000 or 180 days in jail and repeat offenders may even receive a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Governor Abbott expressed his strong opinion when signing this bill saying, “The goal of Senate Bill 4 is to stop the tidal wave of illegal entry into Texas”.
However, the Biden administration has made their opposition clear on this matter with White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki remarking that it “will endanger the lives of children and is a violation of human rights”.
The Department of Justice has also filed a lawsuit against Governor Abbott for attempting to enforce immigration laws without approval from federal authorities.
In response, several advocacy groups have challenged the legislation in court as well as created campaigns denouncing its passing.
This new law has caused quite an uproar throughout Texas due to its strict implications on immigrants within the state.
It is expected that many people will be affected by this legislation and could possibly face serious consequences if there are any violations – especially those who are repeat offenders who could receive up to 20 years in prison for their crimes.
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