DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa House of Representatives passed SF 2340, a bill making illegal immigration a state crime, by a 64 to 30 vote on Tuesday. The Iowa Senate passed the bill earlier this month.
Three Democrats, State Reps. John Forbes, D-Urbandale, Kenan Judge, D-Waukee, and Josh Turek, D-Council Bluffs, joined Iowa House Republicans voting in favor of the bill.
Under the bill, illegal immigration becomes an aggravated misdemeanor if the immigrant was denied admission to the United States, was deported from the United States, or departed the United States while a deportation order is outstanding and returned.
Under Iowa law, an aggravated misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to two years in prison and fine of no more than $8,500.
An immigrant in the United States can be subject to Class D felony charges after removal due to a misdemeanor conviction involving drugs or crimes against a person or was subject to alien terrorist removal procedures. State law states the penalty for Class D felonies is up to five years in prison and a fine between $1,025 and $10,245.
Class C felony charges would apply if the immigrant was removed after a felony conviction carrying a penalty of up to ten years in prison and fine of at least $1,375 up to $13,660.
Ultimately, the bill sets up a removal procedure for those found in the state of Iowa in violation of federal law.
The bill forbids law enforcement officers from arresting someone if the person is in a school, place of worship, a health care facility, or a facility for survivors of sexual assault.
State Rep. Steve Holt, R-Denison, was the bill’s floor manager in the Iowa House.
“There is a difference between legal immigration and illegal immigration,” he said. “Yes, there are many in our country and our state illegally who just came here for a better life. We know that. But there are also gang members, drug dealers, and terrorists who are here endangering our citizens. We know that too. The federal government has abdicated its responsibilities and states can and must act. Many other states are standing up to protect their sovereignty and their citizens and Iowa must do the same.”
Read the bill below:
SF2340
