Tom Blonski

HB635 uses a broad and potentially harmful definition of "illegal immigrant," which could lead to confusion or overly strict interpretations. This may result in nonprofits that assist immigrants being labeled as engaging in "illegal" activities, subjecting them to scrutiny and penalties. The right to due process is a legal principle that guarantees fair treatment for all people in the United States, including undocumented immigrants. This right is outlined in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. Further, individuals in removal proceedings have the right to counsel (at no expense to the Government) under 8 USC §1362. Therefore HB635 could infringe upon the federal rights of undocumented immigrants. Moreover, Attorneys, as officers of the court, are legally required to effectively represent their clients under the law. Under HB635, Immigration Legal Service programs at nonprofit agencies could be unfairly taxed for their lawful legal actions. Moreover, the immigration relief sought by undocumented immigrants, such as Asylum, VAWA, U visa, T visa (all of which are humanitarian relief) and others forms of immigration relief, have been granted at the federal level by Congress. As a result, HB635 conflicts with congressional authority.. I strongly oppose this bill.