The proposed bill establishes new offenses related to the transportation, concealment, or hiring of illegal or unauthorized aliens in Wyoming, imposing penalties for violations. Specifically, it prohibits individuals from knowingly transporting or concealing unauthorized aliens, with violations classified as felonies punishable by up to five years in prison and fines. Additionally, the bill mandates that peace officers inquire about a person's immigration status during detentions and report unauthorized aliens to federal authorities. It also requires employers to verify the immigration status of potential employees and report any unauthorized workers to law enforcement.
Furthermore, the bill introduces requirements for verifying citizenship status for public benefits, necessitating that individuals aged 14 or older provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S. when applying for state or local benefits. It outlines the process for determining the immigration status of inmates and stipulates that driver's licenses and identification cards can only be issued to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, with specific exceptions for certain visa holders. The bill also empowers the attorney general and county sheriffs to negotiate memoranda of understanding with federal agencies regarding immigration enforcement. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance immigration enforcement and compliance within the state.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 7-13-104, 31-7-111, 31-8-101