Law stiffens state’s resolve on illegals

You can be against illegal immigration without calling for the immediate deportation of every man, woman and child lacking proof of American citizenship. That’s called governing in the real world, and also might suggest a sense of compassion.

On the other hand, you can be compassionate, even opposed to your government’s laws, and still understand that the law is the law. At some point — soon, in this instance — illegal immigrants have to comply or risk real-world consequences.

The Missouri General Assembly passed a far-reaching immigration law this spring, and Gov. Matt Blunt signed it this week. Gov. Blunt advocated for these new standards and is right to hail the measure as “significantâ€