(Des Moines, IA) -- Legislation that would create felony charges for hiding illegal immigrants from law enforcement is moving forward. House FIle 572 would institute the charges on various levels based on the offense, and singles out those who are in the country in violation of federal law. It was brought forward by State Rep. Steven Holt (R-Denison).

"Law enforcement has told me that this legislation would provide more tools in the fight not just to prosecute those who are involved in human smuggling," Holt says. "But also those bad actors concealing those who are here illegally in order to coerce them into what amounts to slave labor whether it be on farms or in manufacturing facilities."

He referenced a lawsuit from six Guatemalan nationals who are suing Centrum Valley Farms which alleges human trafficking. While the bill passed with some bipartisan support, concerns were raised on specific language. State Rep. Lindsay James (D-Dubuque) voted in favor, but brought concerns over churches who help immigrants.

"We have heard from religious communities and even some lawyers who are concerned that the language of this bill may still be too broad," James says. "Inadvertently penalizing service providers who are trying to provide aid to vulnerable people based out of their religious or humanitarian convictions."

Holt says he's had similar conversations, and that the bill takes these concerns into account.

"I understand their concern, and I spent a great deal of time not only yesterday afternoon but last night sitting in my hotel room," Holt says. "The legislation clearly states that there must be intent for this legislation to apply....what religious organizations are doing by feeding or providing shelter or taking individuals not in the country legally to church or to a store does not meet the threshold of intent to conceal or flee."

The bill passed the House on Thursday and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

Simon Conway