This bill amends N.J.S.A.2C:29-3 to impose criminal penalties for individuals who harbor aliens unlawfully present in the United States, specifically when they are aware that the alien has an outstanding arrest or immigration warrant. The bill establishes that harboring or hindering the apprehension or deportation of such an alien is classified as a crime of the fourth degree. Additionally, it outlines that if an unlawful alien hinders their own apprehension or deportation, they would be guilty of a disorderly persons offense.

The bill also introduces specific penalties, including a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months and a fine of up to $10,000 for a fourth-degree crime. It provides an affirmative defense for unlawful aliens who can prove they were victims of human trafficking at the time of the offense. The legal language added clarifies the definitions and consequences related to hindering apprehension, prosecution, and deportation, ensuring that the law addresses both the actions of those harboring unlawful aliens and the unlawful aliens themselves.