AUSTIN, Texas – On Wednesday, the Texas House of Representatives first passed two major immigration-related bills, Senate Bill 4 and House Bill 6. SB 4 increases the penalty for human smuggling to a minimum of 10 years in prison and a minimum of five years for operating a stash house.
There was a lot of back and forth on this bill, including seven proposed amendments, all of which failed. Representative Ryan Guillen (R), the bill’s sponsor, made it clear that the bill does not change the definition of smuggling, but increases the penalties to try to deter people from doing it.
There is a provision in the bill to reduce the minimum sentence to five years for people transporting certain family members, including their child, parent or grandparent. But some lawmakers tabled amendments to extend this to third and fourth-degree relatives, such as aunts, uncles and first cousins. They argued that many of these immigrant families are close-knit and rely heavily on extended family.
“Many Latinx families rely heavily on extended family members, including cousins, uncles and aunts,” said State Rep. Mary Ann Perez (D-Houston). “This means, first, that cousins act more like siblings, such as relying on each other for rides to and from work and medical appointments.”
Another hot topic of debate in the House, funding for the construction of a border wall, was initially passed on Wednesday. House Bill 6 would provide $1.5 billion to build an estimated 50 miles of wall along the Texas-Mexico border – $1.3 billion of that would go to shovel-ready projects, and the rest of the money would go to additional wall projects as land deals are finalised.
But lawmakers from the Mexican American Legislative Caucus were vocal in their opposition to this bill, as well as the other immigration bills introduced on Wednesday.
“I hate to say it, but this could be a down payment on future wasteful spending,” said State Representative Armando Walle (D).
They said taxpayer money should instead be spent on more important issues, such as raising teacher pay, expanding Medicaid and addressing the foster care system.
The House also began debate on one of the most controversial immigration bills, House Bill 4. The bill would criminalise unauthorised immigration to Texas and allow Texas officials to arrest people and send them back across the border. Opponents say the bill will separate families and hurt Texas’ workforce and economy.
“The Legislature is considering a measure that will hurt construction companies and workers,” said Ana Gonzales, Texas AFL-CIO. “Workers deserve dignity and respect, regardless of their immigration status.”
The bills passed on Wednesday now need one more vote in the House before heading to the governor’s desk. Those final votes are expected on Thursday.
