A Tennessee bill that would criminalize harboring, hiding, or smuggling an illegal immigrant cleared its first hurdle in the House on Wednesday.
House Bill 322 would make it a Class A misdemeanor to hide an illegal immigrant, a Class E felony to hide or transport one for financial gain, and a Class A felony to hide or transport a minor under 13 for financial gain.
Supporters say the measures will strengthen enforcement, but critics argue they could have unintended consequences for nonprofits and faith-based organizations that provide aid to the undocumented.
The bill follows new data from the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, which reports that nearly 3,000 illegal border crossers have been arrested, facing 3,854 charges, including 11 homicides.