Texas immigration bill and the special exception!

In Texas proposed House Bill 2012 would create tough state punishments for those who “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly” hire an unauthorized immigrant. Violators could face up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

But unlike any other Bill before this one it has an interesting exception. Those who hire unauthorized immigrants would be in violation of the law — unless they are hiring a maid, a lawn caretaker or another houseworker.

The Texas legislature convenes only once every two years, so Texas has not passed tough anti-illegal immigration laws like some other states. The result has been that unauthorized immigrants in those states are relocating to Texas. Example of other proposed Bills in Texas, one bill would place an 8% surcharge on all money wired from Texas to Latin America. About $480 million could be collected from money sent to Mexico alone, the representative said. The proceeds would be earmarked for state hospitals.

Another bill would require police officers to ask every person they stop what their citizenship status is.

So why the large exception on hiring unauthorized workers? Rep. Debbie Riddle’s office explained that Texans shouldn’t be punished for hiring lawn care companies who hire unauthorized immigrants and to avoid “stifling the economic engine” in Texas.