Kraus: Missouri and Arizona: Illegal Immigration Laws

I applaud immigrants who have made the effort to enter and reside in the U.S. legally. They will continue to contribute to making this a great country. However, the lack of secure U.S. borders has created a huge problem of illegal entry and illegal activity, particularly in border states such as Arizona. After the passage of Arizona’s law to address illegal immigration, I have received a number of inquiries asking if the state of Missouri would enact the same law.

In 2008, Missouri took the lead in addressing illegal immigration by passing HB 1549. It was considered one of the toughest pieces of immigration legislation in the country. While opponents of this law questioned its legality, none of the legislation has been successfully challenged in court or overturned because of issues of constitutionality.

The legislation curbed policies that make a state more attractive to illegal aliens. For example, some cities in other states, such as San Francisco, have become “sanctuary” cities and have adopted various policies to protect illegal immigrants. Because of HB 1549, any county, city, town, or village is prohibited from enacting a sanctuary policy in Missouri. If a sanctuary policy were enacted, the local authority would be ineligible for state grants until the policy is repealed or is no longer in effect.

Another provision prohibits the state from issuing driver’s licenses to illegal aliens and persons who cannot prove lawful presence in the United States, which also makes Missouri a less attractive state for illegal residence. In addition, Missouri will not recognize driver’s licenses issued to illegal immigrants by another state.

While Missouri’s laws do not make illegal immigration a state crime, they do encourage full cooperation with the federal government in apprehending illegal immigrants. An arresting law enforcement agency is required within 48 hours to verify the lawful immigration status of a person charged with a crime and held in confinement. Upon verification that the prisoner is an illegal alien, the arresting agency must notify the federal government.

Many people believe it to be unfair to American taxpayers to support and encourage illegal immigration by extending benefit programs for our citizens to those who have chosen not to abide by our immigration laws. The General Assembly also addressed this concern. HB 1549 prohibits the state from extending state or local public benefit programs (unless offered under certain federal laws) to individuals who cannot document that they are in this country legally.

In the 2009 session, the General Assembly also passed HB 390. This law prohibits college or university students who are unlawfully present in the United States from receiving state financial aid.

A number of provisions directly addressed the employment of illegal aliens. If businesses incur penalties for employing illegals, then the jobs that draw many of these individuals into our country will not be available to them, thus ending a major reason for illegal entry.

Because of HB 1549, employers are prohibited from knowingly hiring or continuing to employ illegal aliens in Missouri. If any business participates in a state-sponsored benefit, then it is required to verify employee immigration status within 15 days of being employed. Penalties, up to permanent suspension of applicable local licenses, permits and exemptions, are in place for knowingly employing an illegal alien.

The United States of America offers tremendous benefits to those who live here legally. We enjoy a standard of living and degree of freedom that make this country a magnet to the world’s population. The United States government has set up a legal path to citizenship. I’m all for it and welcome legal immigration. But we cannot tolerate illegal activity, and we, the state of Missouri, have backed up that statement by enacting tough legislation.

Honor Flight Honors Veterans

Last week, we welcomed our World War II heroes to the Missouri Capitol. They filled the House Chambers, and it was a moving experience to be part of the ceremony to honor their service to our nation. It was accurately noted that we are here because they were there.

The veterans were brought to Jefferson City courtesy of a non-profit organization called Central Missouri Honor Flight. Their mission is to honor America’s veterans for their sacrifices by transporting them to the WWII memorial in Washington D.C. Many veterans have never had that chance to see what was built in their memory.

If you are a veteran, you can apply to take an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. At this time, applications are only being accepted for WWII and terminally ill veterans from all wars. The trip is funded by contributions and therefore free to veterans.

I would be glad to send you an application if you provide me with your name and address; you can download one at www.centralmissourihonorflight.com; or you can call (573) 301-5657. The website also provides information if you would like to make a donation to help send these heroes to their memorial.

Visitors to the Capitol

Students flocked to the Capitol last week, and as always it was a pleasure to have them. Pleasant Lea Elementary (left) brought a large group to Jefferson City. Annella Fritz brought four exchange students to visit. Other visitors to the Capitol included students from Meadow Lane Elementary and Underwood Elementary. I enjoy hosting these schools at the Capitol and the time spent educating 4th graders on how a bill becomes a law and how state government works.

5K Fundraiser for Hope Network

In the district, I had a great weekend. Saturday, my family all participated in the 5K fundraising event for Hope Network. Hope Network reaches out to those in the community that are in need of food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. In the run, I finished 13th behind Tylor, my oldest son, who finished about two minutes before me. My legs were a little tired and sore after the race! Both Carmen and Tannor volunteered to help out.

Extreme Green Remodel

Later in the morning, I visited a home improvement project, Extreme Green Remodel. This project benefitted a couple who attend the Lee’s Summit Community Church. The family has been having health issues, much of them from allergies. To help them, Kevin Enyeart and a group of men from Lee’s Summit Community Church decided to do a “green makeover” of their home. The makeover both replaced items that could cause allergic reactions and made the home more energy efficient. Kevin invited me down and showed me around. I am very thankful that we have caring churches and people that work to help each other. Kevin explained that all materials were donated - from insulation to siding to labor. I commend Kevin, the men doing the work, and the businesses that have donated the material.

With the beginning of the 2010 Legislative Session, the Capitol Report will be issued about once a week. During this time, if you have an event that you would like me to attend or speak at, please contact my office at 1 (573) 751-1459 or e-mail at will{dot}kraus{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.