You Do NOT Have to Show Your Papers! SB4 Blocked!
Federal Court Judge Temporarily Stops Texas Senate Bill 4 from Going Into Effect
On Wednesday, August 30, 2017, U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia issued an injunction, which temporarily stops Senate Bill 4 also referred to as the "Show Your Papers" law from going into effect on September 1, 2017.
In the order, Judge Garcia stated “There is overwhelming evidence by local officials, including local law enforcement, that SB 4 will erode public trust and make many communities and neighborhoods less safe,” Garcia wrote in his order. “There is also ample evidence that localities will suffer adverse economic consequences which, in turn, harm the State of Texas.”
What Happens to SB4 Now?
The federal court blocked virtually all parts of SB4; however, the judge's ruling does not totally block SB4.
Law enforcement will be allowed to inquire about the immigration status of an individual during a lawful stop. In theory, Judge Garcia reasons police may enforce the law in a non-discriminatory manner.
Lack of lawful status in the U.S. can still result in placement in removal or deportation proceedings after a lawful stop or detention by local law enforcement.
How Houston is Reacting to Immigration Crackdown
SB4 contained a provision that would penalize "sanctuary cities" or cities that refuse to enforce the law. Essentially, local governments and law enforcement would be required to cooperate with Immigration and Custom's Enforcement (ICE) and assist in the enforcement of Federal Immigration laws.
This provision led to wide spread fear during Hurricane Harvey. Undocumented immigrants across Texas and the Gulf Region were fearful of being detained during evacuations and while in shelters. Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, issued a response to these concerns.
Turner promised the city’s nearly 600,000 illegal immigrants that they won’t be turned over to immigration authorities if they go to a shelter or ask for help during Harvey.
“I don’t care who you are, I don’t care what your status is,” Turner said Monday. “I do not want you to run the risk of losing your life or [that of] a family member because you’re concerned about (Senate Bill) 4 or anything else."
Holland Law Firm, PLLC- Houston Immigration Attorneys
Tatiauna Holland is the owner and managing attorney of Holland Law Firm, PLLC, a full-service immigration law firm. The Holland Law Firm, PLLC assists clients in all immigration matters, including deportation defense, adjustment of status or green cards, citizenship and naturalization, DACA, and more.
Contact the Holland Law Firm, PLLC at (832) 328-7877 or submit an online form to schedule an appointment at our office located in the Greenspoint Area of Houston, Texas. We proudly serve clients throughout Houston, Conroe, Kingwood, Humble, Waller, Magnolia, and surrounding areas.
Read the full City of El Cenzino v. State of Texas here.
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