The debate surrounding undocumented immigrants is not only happening in Washington D.C., but it is also making its way to the Tennessee State Capitol.
Rep. Bryan Richey, a Republican from Maryville, has proposed a new bill that aims to impose fines on individuals who knowingly transport undocumented immigrants into Tennessee.
The activity is already prohibited under Tennessee law, but the proposed legislation seeks to extend the prohibition to common carriers, such as Delta Airlines or Greyhound Buslines. This raised numerous questions when the bill was discussed in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee last week.
“Is it correct that if they were and he failed to do so, he would be personally fined?” inquired Rep. John Gillespie, a R-Shelby County.
Rep. Richey, the sponsor of the House version, explained that according to the legislation, pilots could face fines if they knowingly or recklessly transport the items.
According to Rep. Richey, airline pilots or bus drivers may be subjected to a $5,000 fine for each undocumented immigrant they transport. Republican leaders have come forward to defend the bill, emphasizing the importance of clarifying that the offender must knowingly violate the law.
According to Rep. William Lamberth, a Portland Republican who serves as House Majority Leader, it is important to distinguish between individuals who unknowingly or unwittingly transport someone and those who knowingly transport an illegal immigrant into the state. Lamberth emphasizes that bus drivers, for example, should not be required to check everybody’s identification on a bus. However, if someone knowingly transports an illegal immigrant, they should be subject to penalties as it is already illegal. Lamberth voted in favor of the bill in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee.
Democrats are staunchly opposed to the bill, vehemently labeling it as discriminatory.
Earlier this week, there was also a rally opposing this bill. You can find more information about the demonstration here.
