Gov. Gregg Abbott signed legislation Monday, December 18, that makes crossing the border into the US illegally a violation of Texas state law. The bill builds on previously-established federal law.
© RICARDO B. BRAZZIELL / AMERICAN-STATESMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK
(Austin, TX) – Texas Governor Gregg Abbott has taken a new step that aims to curb illegal immigration. He just signed a law into effect that makes illegal immigration a crime — at the state level. Senate Bill 4 builds on already-established federal legislation, in which it is a misdemeanor to cross the US border illegally — rising to a felony for a repeat offense.
Under the new bill, penalties range from 180 days to 20 years in prison. It will take effect March 2024.
Abbott made headlines earlier this year when he began bussing migrants north to places like New York City and Chicago, in a bid to lessen the burden on his state — and put more pressure on other jurisdictions, including Washington, DC. Apprehensions at the border have risen steadily under the Biden administration. In New York, Mayor Eric Adams has been forced to slash the budget 5% across the board, largely due to the spiraling cost associated with providing for migrants.
