Georgia Approves Measures Against Migrants
Georgia has approved measures that will affect individuals without proper documentation. Controversy has arisen following the passing of Texas’s SB4 Law, which allows for the arrest of undocumented individuals crossing the border. Migrants without their papers in order have been filled with concerns and fears in recent days.
Now, another action has been approved by another US state that will impact all those who wish to enter the country without proper documentation. The Senate of Georgia passed two measures on Thursday, March 21, aiming to compel local governments to cooperate in the deportation of migrants instead of providing them with shelter as previously done to support undocumented individuals.
The action comes as a response to the alleged homicide of a nursing student by a Venezuelan national at the University of Georgia. The first approved measure, House Bill 301 (HB 301), received 34 votes in favor and 18 against.
Additionally, a second project, House Bill 1105 (HB 1105), was backed in a 34-19 vote. This measure aims to require prison authorities to review the immigration status of inmates, as reported by ‘The Associated Press.’
The approval of these measures has sparked debates about public safety and crime rates. Republicans in the majority voted in favor, while Democrats opposed. State Senator John Albers emphasized that this is a matter of public safety and concerns criminals, despite studies showing that migrants have lower crime rates compared to native US citizens.
The push for these measures stemmed from the arrest of a 26-year-old Venezuelan, Jose Ibarra, on charges of homicide and assault related to the death of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student. Ibarra had allegedly entered the US illegally in 2022, according to immigration authorities.
Overall, the Senate’s action in Georgia underscores a shift towards stricter immigration policies in response to public safety concerns and criminal activity involving immigrants without proper documentation. These measures could have significant implications for the immigration status and treatment of migrants in the state.
