The state Senate passed a bill yesterday that seeks to make Missouri less attractive for people living and working in America without the correct paperwork.
Gov. Matt Blunt praised the passage of Senate Bill 858.
“Illegal immigration is a serious problem in our country and state,” said Blunt in a written statement. “It is not only an assault on the sanctity of our laws but a potential threat to the safety and security of Missouri families.”
St. Louis Senator Harry Kennedy disagrees.
“I’m worried that this bill amounts to an unfunded mandate on our city and county governments, especially our courts and prison systems,” Kennedy said.
“The mandatory jailing of people whose identities cannot be immediately established will lead to overcrowding in our city and county jails and could lead to the release of offenders who have done much worse than overstayed their visa.”
SB 858, sponsored by Sen. Scott Rupp (R-Wentzville), prohibits the creation of so-called “sanctuary cities” in the state; requires verification of legal employment status of every public employee; allows for cancellation of state contracts for contractors if they hire illegal immigrants; requires public agencies to verify the legal status of applicants before providing welfare benefits; further criminalizes the transportation of illegal immigrants for purposes of human trafficking, drug trafficking, prostitution or illegal labor; and prohibits illegal immigrants from obtaining driver licenses.
The bill also prohibits employers from knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.
“I am very opposed to illegal immigration, but with the current economic downturn, I’m worried about imposing another unfunded mandate on our businesses and local governments,” Sen. Kennedy said.
This is the most stupid man I have ever seen in my life. It’s not his fault because he was born in America and he doesnt know how people are suffering in their lives. Idiot and ignorant.
Posted by Roly | 10. Apr, 2008, 5:37 PMWhy is it that Landlords can house illeagls who will not report the slum conditions people are forced to live in for fear of being deported and all the while the Slumlords are able to get away with dogging people who just want to live in a clean comfortable area Tell INS and or the Feds to go to Ashby Heights in Overland (63114) on a surprise visit..The Complex will probably be empty in a week after the vist.On a scale of 1 to 10 …The illeagls rate a minimum 17!!!!!!!
Posted by E A.Smith | 10. Apr, 2008, 5:48 PMlet put this way,some people come to united state using there visa and passport ,the only problem they have expire there visa they didnt broke any law do any thing stupid like alot of Illegal immgrant and those they legal in unuted state .if those guys give a chance to those people they never broke the law is better ,because they deserve better ,all they need to pe a part of united state ,the need to work and support there family .thats why there family spent alot of money to pay there fare apply there visa ,all they want looking for a future for there family like everyone else need .
can we support those they live in united state for more than five year? Can we do that ?.
thank you ..
Posted by samoan | 02. Feb, 2009, 2:44 PM