Laken Riley Act Sparks debate in the Las Vegas Valley Community – FOX 5 Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nev. (FOX5) – The Laken Riley Act is expanding the detention of undocumented immigrants, including the accused – but not convicted – for low -level crimes such as theft of theft.

“This really violates the new basis for depriving people of the most basic right to be heard and to receive a day in court whether they should be closed just because they are an immigrant,” said the director of the Immigration Clinic in UNLV, Michael, Michael, Michael , Michael, Michael, Michael, Michael, Michael, Michael, Michael, Michael, Michael, Michael, Michael, Michael, Michael Kagan.

Proponents of the bill say it helps to remove persons who may be a threat. Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto, who was among the Democrats who voted for support, saying “about the small number of crimes, the American people expect consequences.”

But critics say it leaves a little room for a proper process.

“One of the differences for immigrants is that there is no width to make a mistake and then learn from it and grow up and live a great life,” Kagan said. “Most of us are able to make mistakes or consequences for errors, but for immigrants there is simply no limit of error.”

Kagan explains as a law professor, he has seen students make mistakes, whether it is a bad solution or embarks on the law – but for immigrants these mistakes do not fade simply.

“No matter what you did, you could cure cancer, you can find a successful company to use other people, build a great family. But if only at one point in your life you were even accused of defense of the lowest level of theft – indefinite detention. “

Elias Banglun is one of about 11 million homeless immigrants to the United States, he came to America when he was only two years old from the Netherlands. His case remained in anticipation of 19 years before he learned that he was undocumented. Now, like millions of others, he is touring life without legal status.

“Whether or not America sees it that way or not, I feel like an American like anyone else, you know, my community recognizes me as an American,” Benzulun said.

Although he is without documents, Elias says he does not allow his status to hold him. He was a youthful pastor, became the youngest president of the student body in UNLV and mentors the owners of a small business, helping start -ups. But every achievement comes with a constant reality – live carefully

“If an American citizen receives DUI, they have a chance of rehabilitation, but if someone who is undocumented, he receives DUI, will probably be deported,” Benjlun said.

Elias says he will continue to hope on his way to citizenship, but for now he will continue to move forward, despite the challenges he is facing.

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