Missouri and Kansas are pushing tougher laws on illegal immigration


By DAVID KLEPPER and JASON NOBLE
The Kansas City Star
TOPEKA | With Congress on the sidelines, lawmakers in Kansas and Missouri say they have no choice but to make illegal immigration a target in 2008.

In both states, legislators are pushing tougher laws. The measures — being considered in neighboring states and already passed in Oklahoma — range from increased authority for law enforcement to tougher rules for employers.

“You’re seeing this now because this issue has hit the heartland,â€