Illegal Immigration Reform

By Brian L. Baker

There are two important things for citizens to remember when dealing with the issue of illegal immigration. First, it is important for all of us to remember that the term “illegal immigrant” applies to any race and not just one race. Whether it they are Romanian, Canadian, Iraqi, Ukrainian, or Brazilian - red, yellow, black, and white - if they are in the United States “illegally” they are breaking the law. We cannot simply place the term of “illegal” immigrant on any one nationality.

Second, it is important for us, as a nation, to recognize and appreciate those who have come to our country and have followed the law. There are many who have left their homeland and have embraced our nation as their home. We cannot simply look at someone and assume they are “illegal.” These law abiding citizens pay their taxes. They work. They contribute to our culture. They even fight in our armed forces. They deserve our hand of friendship.

Nevertheless, we must establish rules and standards for immigration for national security, for fiscal responsibility, and for our national sovereignty. “Illegal Immigration” is an issue that both LEGAL immigrants and natural-born citizens want addressed. Since the federal government has done little to nothing, the state of Missouri is taking some action.

House Bill 1549 includes several provisions designed to curb “illegal” immigrants from being employed in the state and to prevent those here illegally from receiving taxpayer services.

One provision of the bill cracks down on employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. The legislation makes it clear that Missouri employers are barred from hiring illegal immigrants and creates penalties that could result in the loss of a permit or license if an employer knowingly hires someone living here illegally.

Employers who misclassify workers as contractors instead of employees will be subject to penalties of $50 per-day per-misclassified worker and up to a maximum of $50,000 in fines.These provisions apply to businesses with at least five employees performing public works.

Under the bill, public employers, including state and local governments, are required to participate in a federal work authorization program such as the E-Verify federal database that checks immigration status. Participation in such a program is also required for businesses that have a government contract worth more than $5,000 or that receive state loans or tax breaks.

Private businesses are not required to use the database, but can do so in order to provide a defense against allegations of knowingly hiring an illegal immigrant. Employers who don't participate in a work authorization program would have to start using one if they are found knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.

The legislation requires people to prove they are U.S. citizens or legally in the country when applying for food stamps, housing or other taxpayer services.

The bill also allows law enforcement officers to check the immigration status of anyone arrested or detained in Missouri and denies bail for jailed individuals who cannot prove legal residency. The Missouri State Highway Patrol will also receive training to enforce state and federal immigration laws.

Also included in the bill are provisions that prohibit: communities from adopting sanctuary policies that provide safe harbor to illegal immigrants; bar individuals from transporting or harboring unlawful immigrants; require written tests for commercial licenses to be administered in English only and, provide penalties for individuals who assist illegal immigrants in obtaining driver’s licenses in a fraudulent manner.

We welcome all nationalities and those who have taken the proper steps to make America their home. We urge those who are here illegally to do the right thing, follow the law, and find freedom in the American dream.