Utah Law Ending Protections for Undocumented Immigrants
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A new Utah law, HB 226, takes effect on May 7, officially terminating protections for undocumented immigrants against automatic deportation following misdemeanor convictions. Sponsored by Rep. Candice Pierucci, the law raises the maximum jail sentence for class A misdemeanors from 364 days to 365 days, which is significant under federal immigration regulations.
Previously, the 364-day cap, established in 2019, aimed to prevent noncitizens from hitting the deportation threshold, which occurs for jail sentences of one year or more. This adjustment came after feedback from ICE agents indicated that Utah’s low misdemeanor cap attracted illegal immigration.
The original legislation, championed by former Rep. Eric Hutchings, sought to reduce deportations for nonviolent offenses. However, key supporters, such as Sen. Daniel Thatcher, opposed the repeal along with all Senate Democrats.
While the revised law does not mandate longer sentences, it gives judges the authority to impose up to a year for class A misdemeanors, which could lead to deportation for undocumented individuals. Furthermore, it mandates that county sheriffs inform ICE prior to releasing individuals convicted of specified serious misdemeanors, enhancing federal immigration collaboration.
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