By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Senate has passed its omnibus illegal immigration bill.
The bill would bar employers from hiring undocumented workers, block state grants to so-called "sanctuary cities," require police to check the immigration status of those they arrest, and more.
There was no real debate on the Senate floor, but Democrat Jeff Smith of St. Louis spoke out against the bill before the vote was taken.
"When I see a bill that is basically sending a statement, a statement to people that have the potential to catalyze economic growth in our state, telling them essentially that we don't want them here, it troubles me," Smith said.
The sponsor, State Senator Scott Rupp (R, Wentzville), says illegal immigration IS a problem in Missouri, despite claims to the contrary.
"There ARE illegal immigrants here that ARE taking jobs away from hard-working Missouri families, that ARE consuming tax dollars that could go for hard-working Missouri families, and whether there are 65,000 that have been suggested or 22,000, it's still a problem...we have laws; you need to respect the laws...it's a big issue, and now we're dealing with it," Rupp said.
The bill passed 26 to seven. It now goes to the Missouri House.