NEW: Blunt signs immigration bill in St. Charles
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| Roy Sykes photo. Backed by several state legislators, Gov. Matt Blunt signs an immigration bill at the St. Charles Police Department on Tuesday. |
Gov. Matt Blunt stopped at the St. Charles Police Department early Tuesday afternoon for a ceremonial signing of House Bill 1549, a new law aimed at tightening restrictions on undocumented immigrants and businesses that employ them.
"We are addressing problems that other states have not," Blunt said, touting Missouri’s place among a handful of other states that have tightened laws on undocumented immigrants in the midst of a national immigration debate that has been inching closer to home.
The new legislation requires law enforcement to verify the immigration status of all people presented for incarceration within 48 hours of arrest, provides for stiff penalties for sanctuary cities, and authorizes state troopers to receive federal immigration training. The immigration bill also calls for fines reaching $5,000 for employers who mis-classify workers as independent contractors to avoid paying taxes and have five or more employees performing public works.
Rep. Bob Onder of Lake Saint Louis, R-13, who sponsored the house bill, called the new law’s passage "an overwhelmingly bipartisan effort."
Immigrant advocates worry the legislation will increase racial profiling and make lives harder for legal immigrants. They also argue undocumented immigrants contribute to the economy and the community.
Jennifer Rafanan, spokeswoman for Missouri Immigrant & Refugee Advocates, said the tax contributions of undocumented immigrants help the state, She says the new law simply reiterates many aspects of the law already in place, such as restrictions to obtain driver’s licenses and a ban from public welfare benefits.
"We’re worried about the unforeseen consequences, such as the gutting of due process and increased racial profiling," Rafanan said.
The legislation goes into effect in August.
