By reading the constituent survey percentages and comments, which many of you took the time to return to me, I see that immigration is something on everyone’s mind. As we all know, illegal immigration is a problem here in Missouri. This week, instead of writing my own report, I have inserted below, part of the Capitol Report written by the Speaker of the House and my good friend Rod Jetton. Through this report he explains some new legislation that should help to deal with the illegal immigration issue here in Missouri.
In earlier reports I told you about an effort in the House to keep illegal immigrants from being able to attend our state’s colleges and universities. Stopping illegal immigration has to start at the border and that is a job for the federal government. However, the states can change their laws to remove the incentive illegal immigrants have to coming to our nation. I believe we can concentrate our effort in a few main areas to help end the tide of illegal immigration. These areas include higher education, state aid programs, cracking down on businesses that knowingly employ illegal immigrants and ending so called “sanctuary cities.”
This week I would like to talk to you about HB 1626 sponsored by Representative Ed Emery. This piece of legislation will prohibit illegal aliens from receiving public assistance. Currently many illegal immigrants are coming to our state to use some of the public assistance programs we have in place to help Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens. These programs include MO Healthnet, Utilicare, Worker’s Comp, or Welfare.
These programs have been put in place to provide a helping hand to those who cannot help themselves. Unfortunately many illegal immigrants are coming to Missouri and are abusing these programs for their own benefit. It is important to remember that these programs are targeted at specific groups of people and their purpose is to give maximum aid to those who truly need it. They were never designed to be used by people who have illegally come to our nation and are breaking our laws.
I really want to make that point clear; we are a nation of rules and laws. Our society and economy are founded on that one point. To succeed in our nation you must obey the rules. When illegal immigrants choose to jump ahead in line of millions of other people who in some cases have been waiting for years to become US citizens they are fundamentally breaking the law.
Because these people are breaking the law I do not believe they should be able to collect public aid and benefits. These are for Missourians who are in need. I commend Representative Emery for filing this important piece of legislation and taking a stand in an area where the federal government has unfortunately not tackled.
It is important for all Missourians to recognize the simple fact that when you break the rules there are consequences. One of those consequences is if you are an illegal immigrant you will not be receiving state aid in Missouri.
Illegal immigration is a major problem confronting not just our state but also our nation. We cannot sit around waiting for Washington to take action. I firmly believe it is time for the General Assembly to act to improve and protect Missouri from the negative effects of illegal immigration.
By reading the Speakers words above, I hope you have a better understanding of our stance on illegal immigration and what we are doing here in the state Capitol to fix the issue. As always, I encourage you to contact me with your suggestions or ideas. I can be reached at my Capitol office (573) 751-1484, or by e-mail at shannon.cooper@house.mo.gov. My mailing address is: Room 310, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.