New Kansas law meant to target human smuggling raises questions, concerns

On July 1, Kansas will have two new crimes in the law meant to target human smuggling, one of which is a source of concern for immigration advocates and members of the Latino community. That concern is about the consequences of the law on people or families who provide support or resources to people who are undocumented.

Immigration rights advocates are warning the law creates conditions for racial profiling and leads to questioning of immigration status. The law takes effect next month following the Kansas Legislature’s veto override in April. Between then and now, numerous posts shared online have spread inaccurate information about the law. Legal experts are working to clear the confusion.