Immigration crackdown law passes Missouri House
By MCT Regional News
4/11/2008 4:27 PM

JEFFERSON CITY -- The Missouri House approved wide-ranging legislation yesterday that would train Missouri State Highway Patrol officers to enforce immigration law, check the immigration status of prisoners and prompt those applying for a commercial driver's licenses to take a written test in English.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Bob Onder, R-Lake Saint Louis, is one of a number of bills offered this session dealing with the controversial topic of illegal immigration. Onder said his bill is a step toward combating a problem he said has been long ignored by the federal government.

"There's no question that the federal government needs to do some things," Onder said. "It needs to enforce existing immigration laws, and the federal government needs to secure our borders. But I do think that the bills ... really do play a role in removing the magnets and then removing the illegal aliens that we want least in our country - those that come here and break the laws."

Some Democrats voiced objections over banning so-called sanctuary cities, where people who come to police or public health officials for help are not asked about their immigration status. The idea is to encourage people to cooperate without fear of deportation.

Onder and others, however, said banning sanctuary cities is a preventative step to ensure that the state adheres to federal regulations requiring cities to enforce immigration laws. Critics said it's unnecessary and that the bill should have focused on punishing employers who hire illegal workers.

"There's not a threat or a sanctuary city in the state of Missouri - that doesn't do a lot," said House Minority Leader Paul LeVota, D-Independence. "We're going to pass this bill today that will not deal with the true concerns of the state of Missouri."

Others said a ban sends a xenophobic message that immigrants aren't wanted in the state. "You are making this choice to either be bigoted or be somebody who has an open heart," said Rep. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City.

Onder's bill ultimately passed 124-16. Reps. Judy Baker, D-Columbia, Paul Quinn, D-Monroe City, Steve Hobbs, R-Mexico, and Ed Robb, R-Columbia, voted in favor. Rep. Jeff Harris, D-Columbia, did not vote on the legislation.


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