Immigrant Nation

AUTHOR: Crystal Fontaine

The term “Melting Pot” has been used to describe the United States throughout its history. We are an immigrant nation and our differences have defined us as a country. Immigration has become an important issue today as thousands of aliens illegally cross our borders each year. What rights do these individuals have despite their lack of citizenship?

According to Missouri legislation, they don’t have many rights. Bill SB858 states that, in order to comply with federal regulations regarding immigration, the Highway patrol is to educate and train their members to enforce Federal Immigration Laws. If attempts to verify the legal status of those in custody are not found to be conclusive, the Department of Homeland Security will take over and verification will be made within 48 hours. In addition, those who are jailed may not be set out on bail if there is reason to believe that the person is an illegal immigrant.

Also, SB858 affirms that it is against the law to harbor or transport anyone who has come into the U.S in violation of the law. This goes not only to individuals, but to municipalities as well. If a city adopts a policy of sanctuary for these illegal immigrants, they will not receive grants presented by the state.
This act reiterates Federal Law in that no illegal alien will be eligible for state or local benefits and one must provide evidence that they are here legally. Many illegal immigrants may have hoped for a short time that they would at least be given the benefit of driving; however, Missouri legislation bursts that bubble. The Department of Revenue will not issue any drivers licenses to any illegal immigrant nor will they accept licenses issued to illegal aliens from other states. So that’s why bike and shoe sells have gone up so much.

Cheap labor is ideal within the business world as it cuts production costs thereby raising the amount of profit they can make. It’s all about the dollar signs, baby. However, illegal aliens, we’re afraid, are off the market as the bill SB858 clearly states that employers are barred from employing illegal aliens. If they violate this law, they are subject to suspension of any permit they may have and any contract with the state will be annulled. In addition, public universities are banned from enrolling any students that are here illegally. But, wait, we do have excellent foreign exchange programs if you’re interested.

The bottom line is this: If we let one thing slip, we’ll see the domino effect. But it won’t be as cool.