As a Miami immigration and an Miami immigration lawyer, I read with interest that the governor of Texas signed a ‘ new “sanctuary cities” law on Monday. Below are some frequently asked questions.
What is the new “sanctuary cities” law that the Texas governor signed?
The law, which takes effect in September and which critics say is the most anti-immigrant since a 2010 Arizona law, will allow police officers to ask about the immigration status of anyone they detain, including during routine traffic stops. If you have any questions in regard to this, you may want to speak with your Miami immigration lawyer.
Why has this new “sanctuary cities” law that Governor Abbott signed come under fire?
Every big-city police chief in the state has criticized the new bill. Police chiefs in San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston, say it will create a chilling effect that will cause immigrant families to not report crimes or come forward as witnesses over fears that talking to local police could lead to deportation. Critics also fear it will lead to the racial profiling of Hispanics and put officers in an untenable position. If you have any questions in regard to this, you may want to speak with a Miami immigration lawyer or an Miami immigration lawyer.
What else does the law mandate?
The law also requires police chiefs and sheriffs — under the threat of jail and removal from office — to comply with federal requests to hold criminal suspects in jail for possible deportation. If you have any questions in regard to this, you may want to speak with a Miami immigration lawyer or an Miami immigration lawyer.
How many undocumented immigrants currently live in Texas?
According to The Migration Policy Institute, Texas is home to more than 1.4 million undocumented immigrants, including 71,000 living in the San Antonio area. If you have any questions in regard to this, you may want to speak with a Miami immigration lawyer or an Miami immigration lawyer.
Are there any other criticisms about the new policy from other parties?
Yes. The law also drew rebuke from Mexico, which is Texas’ largest trading partner and shares close ties to the state. The country’s foreign ministry said in a news release that the law could trample on the rights of Mexican citizens who choose to live just across the border and promised to “closely follow” the situation after the law takes effect. The Mexican government is of the opinion that these types of actions criminalizes even more the topic of immigration, foments racial discriminatory acts and reduces collaboration between the immigrant community and local authorities. If you have any questions in regard to this, you may want to speak with a Miami immigration attorney, or an Austin immigration attorney.
Has there been pushback to the ban on the county level?
Yes. Sally Hernandez, the sheriff of Travis County, which includes liberal Austin, has refused to honor federal requests to detain immigrants if the suspects weren’t arrested for immigration offenses or serious crimes such as murder. However, Hernandez softened her policy after Abbott cut funding to the county, saying decisions would be made on a case-by-case basis. She said before Abbott signed it that she would conform to the ban if it became law. If you have any questions in regard to this, you may want to speak with a Miami immigration lawyer or an Miami immigration lawyer.
If you would like more information on applying for a visa, deportation defense, obtaining U.S. citizenship, or obtaining a green card, please contact Miami immigration lawyer Michael G. Murray, Esq. at (305) 895-2500 or visit our website at murraysilva.com.