Burchett Passes Legislation to Prohibit Trafficking of Illegal Aliens

Nashville, Tenn. – Sen. Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville) passed Senate Bill 193 on Wednesday which will target individuals that are trafficking illegal aliens into the state for a profit.

“A serious issue has arisen because a group known as ‘coyotes’ are taking advantage of people by requiring them to pay large sums of money, then packing them in a vehicle like cordwood, and them transporting them long distances,” said Burchett.  “This practice is not safe for the people being transported, and it is not fair for the residents that are here legally.”

The bill prohibits the transportation of illegal aliens into the state for profit.  A violation of the provision is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a $1000 fine that will go to the local agency responsible for assisting in the deportation of the illegal immigrant.

The bill originally passed the House on April 24th; however, the House must consider a Senate amendment, before the bill will go to the Governor.  

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