Immigration Reform Panel Holds First Meeting

The first meeting for the legislature’s Special Committee on Immigration Reform seems to have come up with very little that needs to be changed on the illegal immigration front, insofar as what Missouri can change. Agencies including the Highway Patrol, Social Services, Corrections, and Higher Education tell lawmakers the impact of illegal immigrants is very small on their agencies. Only Elementary and Secondary Education gives any hint of more impact. And its officials can only say they’re not allowed to ask the immigration status of a child wanting to go to public school. Chairman Ed Emery of Lamar says the committee needs to weed out what does and does not need changing. But Emery believes once the committee starts talking to some other agencies and private businesses, there might be a lot more input on what the state must do to address illegal immigration.