Every state debated immigration issues, and 41 states adopted immigration laws. A large number of new laws cracked down on employers who hire illegal immigrants. The broadest measure was passed in Arizona and signed into law by Gov. Janet Napolitano, a Democrat, in July. Arizona employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants face suspension of their business license for the first offense and the permanent loss of their license for a second offense within three years. The law requires employers to verify the status of job applicants with a federal immigration database known as Basic Pilot.
“The message loud and clear from our constituents was their frustration that the federal government has not taken the necessary action to secure the border,” Timothy S. Bee, a Republican who is the president of the Arizona Senate.
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Immigration bill taking on law enforcement, driver's licenses wins approval in Missouri House
By JASON NOBLE
The Star’s Jefferson City correspondent
JEFFERSON CITY | A bill increasing requirements on local law enforcement agencies to enforce immigration law and verify legal status won approval Thursday in the Missouri House.
The bill — the second of four illegal-immigration measures expected to clear the House this year — also included provisions regarding driver’s licenses and sanctuary cities.
“We need to act now — and I mean right now,” said Rep. Gary Dusenberg, a Blue Springs Republican. “Illegal immigration is negatively affecting our health systems, our school system and our corrections system. This bill will do something about it.”
In its main provision, the bill requires officers of the Missouri State Highway Patrol to be deputized as federal immigration agents through an agreement and training with the Department of Homeland Security.
The bill also puts into statute a directive ordered by Blunt last August requiring law enforcement officers to verify the residency status of everyone arrested in the state.
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Any politician that ignores these facts does so at the peril of their political career.