A proposed Utah bill would prevent political asylum migrants from possessing firearms. The bill passed the first round of legislation and will head to the House for voting.
Rep. Trevor Lee proposed the bill after citing the presence of a Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in Utah. Under the bill, political asylum seekers and those under temporary protected status are barred from possessing a firearm.
Lee presented the amended H.B. 183 in an effort to decrease organized crime from firearms. Lee claims the bill will eliminate a gun law “loophole” migrants have exploited under political asylum protections. Although migrants were previously not allowed to possess firearms, those with a political asylum status could still obtain firearms. The amended law will bar all migrants from possessing firearms and allow for easier deportation if caught in possession of one.
Public commenter Jerill Bills claimed Utah legislators are solely interested in deporting more migrants rather than improving gun safety.
“It gives people who don’t like immigrants one more way to have them deported. I believe that’s what this bill is really about,” said Bills. “If the Second Amendment enshrines the right to self defense, doesn’t that right also extend to asylum seekers and TPS applicants?”
Although gun laws for migrants may tighten, other gun laws may loosen. Proposed bill H.B. 0133 would allow 18 year olds to carry a firearm without a conceal carry permit. People like Bills worry Utah legislators are fighting against their own gun law agenda.
If passed, H.B.183 will take effect on May 7, 2025. To track this bill, visit the Utah State Legislature page.
Author: Hannah Clove
Photo courtesy of Cpl. Christina O’Neil
Editor: Anna Mower
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