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Lawyers Challenge Texas law On Harboring Immigrants

Immigrant rights attorneys are challenging part of a Texas security law that they say could allow state authorities to target shelters and landlords for harboring immigrants who are in the country illegally.

The Mexican American Legal Defense And Education Fund filed a federal lawsuit Monday in San Antonio, asking a judge to find unconstitutional part of a broad border security law passed in 2015.

Under the provision, anyone found to be harboring immigrants could be charged with various felony degrees. The plaintiffs include two landlords who say they could be hurt by the law because they don't ask their tenants' immigration status.

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed the law. His spokesman says the law is intended to fight human smuggling. He deferred further questions to the attorney general.

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