A new bill would make it a felony to harbor illegal immigrants in Michigan.
To reinforce the rule of law and deter unlawful immigration activity, Rep. Gina Johnsen, R-Odessa, has introduced House Bill 4336, a proposal to amend the Michigan Penal Code that would make it a felony to aid, abet, or transport illegal immigrants into or within the United States.
HB 4336 outlines a series of criminal offenses for individuals who knowingly help those who have entered the country illegally, including transporting them, harboring them, or shielding them from detection. It also criminalizes encouraging or inducing an alien to enter or remain in the U.S. in violation of federal law, along with conspiracies and attempts to commit any of these acts.
HB 4336 establishes a clear structure of escalating penalties. Individuals convicted of these crimes could face up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000, particularly if their actions were for commercial advantage or private financial gain. If someone is seriously injured because of the offense, the punishment could reach 20 years in prison. In the most severe cases, where the crime results in death, offenders could face life imprisonment.
Supporters of the bill see it as a necessary response to the growing number of incidents where individuals and organizations are actively undermining immigration enforcement by helping illegal immigrants evade detection by federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement. HB 4336 aims to close loopholes in the state legal system and ensure that Michigan is not complicit in illegal activity.
The bill includes limited exemptions for religious organizations that sponsor missionaries or ministers to work in the U.S. on a volunteer basis. To qualify, the individuals must be longstanding members of a bona fide religious denomination and not receive compensation beyond basic living expenses such as food and housing. This provision ensures that the bill targets intentional lawbreaking, not legitimate humanitarian or religious efforts.
In addition, the bill makes it a felony to knowingly hire ten or more undocumented workers within 12 months, with harsher penalties if the offense is part of an organized operation, endangers lives, or involves large groups of people.
House Bill 4336 is currently under consideration in the House Judiciary Committee, where it is expected to prompt significant discussion. Its supporters argue that, amid growing concern over border security and the strain on public resources, states like Michigan must take stronger action to discourage illegal immigration and uphold existing laws.
