NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, has proposed legislation to improve public safety in Tennessee by cracking down on human smuggling and illegal immigration. House Bill 322 will create the Class E felony offense of human smuggling, which includes encouraging or inducing someone to enter or remain in Tennessee by concealing, harboring […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, has proposed legislation to improve public safety in Tennessee by cracking down on human smuggling and illegal immigration.
House Bill 322 will create the Class E felony offense of human smuggling, which includes encouraging or inducing someone to enter or remain in Tennessee by concealing, harboring or shielding them from detection. The offense would also include transporting one or more persons for commercial advantage or private financial gain while intending to conceal them. The bill creates the Class A felony offense of aggravated human smuggling when a victim is less than 13 years old.
“President Joe Biden failed the American people for four years when he opened our border and allowed millions of illegal immigrants to move throughout our nation,” Todd said. “Not only has his dereliction of duty placed an immense financial and public safety burden on states, but it also helped fuel a heartbreaking human smuggling and trafficking crisis affecting men, women and children. This legislation will improve public safety in Tennessee by protecting victims, prosecuting the evil people driving the multi-billion-dollar industry and holding people accountable for harboring illegal immigrants.”
House Bill 322 will make it a Class A misdemeanor to harbor or assist someone in harboring a known illegal immigrant in Tennessee, punishable by $1,000 for each harbored person. The bill also adds promoting the prostitution of a minor to the criminal offense of human trafficking.
Finally, House Bill 322 permits the Tennessee Attorney General to bring action against any person or organization believed to be committing a human trafficking offense in the Volunteer State.
Human smuggling is a multi-billion-dollar industry that serves as a “gateway crime” for illegal immigration, gang activity, financial fraud and terrorism, according to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A 2019 analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data by the Migration Policy Institute estimated 128,000 illegals were residing in Tennessee, a number that is likely underestimated today.
House Bill 322 is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House Judiciary Committee on March 26.
State Rep. Chris Todd represents House District 73, which includes most of Madison County. He is chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.