Buda, Texas — In the heart of the Lone Star State, as the Texas House of Representatives gears up for a crucial vote on immigration-related bills, the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) is making its voice heard loud and clear. The organization is expressing grave concerns over the potential adverse effects of these proposed legislations on local economies and communities, especially those of color.
TAMACC’s Chairman of the Board Samual Guzman, in an impassioned plea, underscored the potential consequences of bills like HB 4, SB 4, and SB 11. These bills, which echo Florida’s past experiences, have raised alarm bells for their propensity to create divisions within communities and dissuade workforce participation. The ripple effect of these measures would be felt most acutely by local businesses and communities, according to TAMACC.
The proposed bills, particularly HB 4, run the risk of destabilizing Texas’s economic prosperity at a time when inclusivity and economic growth are considered paramount. TAMACC is calling on the Texas Legislature to pause and reflect on the potential consequences of these bills and explore more inclusive, pro-business solutions.
HB 4 – Threat to Migrants and Texans
HB 4, among the bills in question, stands out as a subject of concern. This legislation could expose migrants and Texans across the entire state to the grim possibility of immediate detention, transportation, and forced removal from the state without due process. The grounds for such drastic action would be the interpretation of complex immigration laws by law enforcement officers to determine an individual’s immigration status.
SB 11 – A New State Crime
SB 11, another piece of legislation, would introduce a new state crime aimed at targeting many asylum-seekers and other immigrants for arrest and prosecution. The ramifications of such a move on the already vulnerable immigrant population are cause for worry.
SB 4 – Expansion of “Human Smuggling” Laws
Furthermore, SB 4 proposes a significant expansion of the state’s “human smuggling” laws. These laws, which have already been criticized for their potential for prosecutorial abuse against humanitarian workers, would be further fortified with a mandatory 10-year minimum sentence in most cases.
The clock is ticking, and the vote on these bills is scheduled for today, October 25, 2023. Despite the pressing deadline, TAMACC stands resolute in its commitment to fostering diverse and thriving local economies, advocating for policies that support businesses and communities throughout Texas.
TAMACC encourages the state’s legislators to engage in thoughtful, constructive dialogue. It’s an opportunity to explore alternatives that promise a prosperous and inclusive future for all Texans, irrespective of their background or immigration status.
As the Lone Star State prepares to make a decision that could have far-reaching consequences, TAMACC’s plea for unity and inclusivity continues to resonate in the halls of the Texas Capital.
