Border Security Bill Passes House

On Friday, November 16th, The House of Representatives passed a border security bill that seeks to stem the tide of illegal immigration from Mexico. At least one portion of the bill surely relates to human rights, as the bill will apply the immigrant-smuggling statute to those who offer support to illegal immigrants. Employees of social service agencies, church groups, and other volunteer organizations may face up to five years in prison for supporting illegal immigrants. If anyone has any information on how experts believe the law will be applied (i.e. what illegal "support" for illegal immigrants may entail), please comment on this blog. Could groups who provide water bottles to Mexicans attempting to get into the United States illegally be prosecuted if the Senate passes this bill?

Click here to read the text of the bill and find its status in the Senate.

Click here to read an article from the New York Times that discusses the bill.

-- JB