Illegal immigrants targeted in bill

Tracy Swartz
News-Leader

Jefferson City — Illegal immigrants could face difficulties finding work, housing and educational opportunities in Missouri under legislation proposed Tuesday by a Kansas City suburban lawmaker.

Sen. Chris Koster, a Harrisonville Republican, has proposed penalizing Missouri businesses and landlords for employing or housing illegal immigrants. State universities would have to verify the legal status of their students.

"The problem of illegal immigration is having real effects on the working families of the state," said Koster, a former prosecutor who is eyeing a run for state attorney general. "The time for waiting is over."

Employers of illegal immigrants could face business license suspensions, while landlords could face denial or suspension of occupancy permits.

The legislation would provide for a new state division of immigration enforcement. The costs tied to this legislation are unknown, Koster said. He estimates there are at least 60,000 illegal immigrants in Missouri.

The rules, if they became law, would take effect in August.

Meanwhile, a coalition of immigrant and refugee advocates lobbied Tuesday for a federal solution to the immigration debate.

Sen. Joan Bray, a University City Democrat, introduced a resolution calling on the General assembly to protect "the civil and human rights of Missouri's immigrant families."

"We're all immigrants," Bray said.

also
www.columbiatribune.com/2007/Jan/20070124News010.asp
Cutting Off Jobs for Illegal Immigrants
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