Thread: MO Senate Approves Immigration Bill After Brief Debate

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Missouri Senate approves added restrictions on illegal immigrants

by The Associated Press

Story Updated: Apr 3, 2008 at 4:29 PM CDT

By Gene Hartley

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Senate approved a measure that would place new restrictions on illegal immigrants.
Illegal immigration has been a hot-button issue but Senate debate was relaxed, with much of the discussion explaining what the wide-ranging bill does rather than debating its merits. Senators passed the bill 26-7 and sent it to the House.

The bill combines many proposals. Police would need to check immigration status after arrests; illegal immigrants couldn't get public benefits, such as aid for food, housing or retirement; and cities that don't cooperate with immigration authorities could lose state money.

Sen. Jeff Smith, D-St. Louis, was one of seven to vote against it. He says immigrants can help the state economy and the legislation tells them they're unwelcome.

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