O'FALLON, Mo. — Random state inspections of some construction sites to look for illegal immigrant workers and routine checks of the residency status of people arrested by the Missouri Highway Patrol are part of new initiatives launched by Gov. Matt Blunt.
"Illegal immigrants are openly breaking our laws," Blunt said at a news conference Tuesday at O'Fallon City Hall. "Because Washington has failed to deal with this issue, states must do even more."
The worksite inspections, by the state Department of Economic Development, will be limited to privately developed projects benefiting from state tax credits or other economic incentive programs.
Blunt said his directive also demands that such companies recertify in writing within the next 30 days that they, their contractors and subcontractors do not employ illegal immigrants. Any company discovered to be using illegal immigrants will be banned for at least five years from getting such state aid. That's the maximum penalty allowed by state law, he said.
"With this measure and others, we will help to ensure that Missouri taxpayers are not somehow subsidizing illegal immigration," Blunt said.
Blunt came to O'Fallon to announce the economic agency's new effort because the city has had two controversies involving allegations of illegal immigrant workers at construction projects aided by state and local bonds.
On Monday, the governor issued his separate order on arrests by the Highway Patrol. That order also applies to the Missouri Water Patrol and the state Capitol police.
Officers with those agencies have begun verifying the immigration status of every person they arrest.
Blunt also has told the three state agencies to work out an agreement with the federal government to allow officers to be deputized to directly enforce federal immigration laws and to get special training. Only six other states have such an arrangement, Blunt said.
Blunt added that he's asking federal officials for "expedited approval" of the agreement, which would allow more than 1,000 state officers to take illegal immigrants to federal detention centers instead of having to wait for federal authorities to do so.
"This is a significant force multiplier for enforcing our immigration laws," Blunt said, noting that the state has only about 50 federal agents available for such duty.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stcharles/story/743587BA403936F186257346000EC189?OpenDocument
2007-08-28 18:45:27 · 11 answers · asked by ShoeShine 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
I love seeing this stuff. It's about time our country started protecting itself.
2007-08-28 18:51:11 · answer #1 · answered by drixnot2 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Problem is the federal courts backed by companies like Swift, Pilgrim's Pride and Tyson will over rule him. And the way they get away with it is subcontracting the work out. That way the subcontractor takes the heat not them. And them knowing full well he is hiring illegals.
and the only one having to pay income tax or social security is the sub contractor on himself.
The way he does that is in turn subcontracting the work out to the illegals.
Blunt has gotten it started now we need to take it further.
2007-08-28 19:17:04 · answer #2 · answered by JUAN FRAN$$$ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OK I like HIm...... Will he run for president???? I want a President willing to defend this Nation against all enemies.... I'm thinking Fred Thompson, but If he ends up not running... I want to know more about Blunt..... ie, what are his views on the war, the economy, marriage, etc.... If you noticed I didn't say G-y marriage because there is no such thing....
2007-08-28 19:09:30 · answer #3 · answered by Born in the USA 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Too bad many more states wont follow Blunts lead...
2007-08-28 18:49:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is the first real Intelligent thing he has done since he has been Governor
2007-08-29 06:05:29 · answer #5 · answered by crazy_devil_dan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm voting for "BLUNT" ! FINALLY a person that steps up to the Plate ! Is'nt it funny how the first one to step up is always from "MO", I really dig the "SHOW ME STATE" !
2007-08-28 18:50:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
BRAVO...
Its about time... We need more people like BLUNT who are action people rather than words...
He has my VOTE!!!
Edit...
For the DANIELA above..
AMERICA LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT...
2007-08-28 19:28:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
wow. People are so close-minded. They hear the word immigrants and they turn into fiends talking about how much they dislike them and what not. thinking of the immigrants as parasites...All you America loving freaks are in for a rude awakening....
2007-08-28 18:57:21 · answer #8 · answered by Daniela S 1 · 1⤊ 5⤋
More power to him
2007-08-28 18:51:26 · answer #9 · answered by macruadhi 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just give it a few weeks and Blunt will be eating crow in public!
2007-08-28 18:49:37 · answer #10 · answered by zclifton2 6 · 1⤊ 6⤋