1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

I am writing to voice my firm opposition to SB 72 (Gregory), SB 58 (Carter), SB 114 (Brattin), SB 137 (Trent), SB 282 (Brown), and HB 540 (West). These deeply concerning bills pose a significant threat to our communities, strain our resources, and risk costly legal battles for the state of Missouri. These measures are not only harmful but also counter to the principles of fairness and justice. SB 72 introduces a bounty hunter program, incentivizing individuals with $1,000 to report anyone they suspect of being undocumented. It also creates a new felony charge for undocumented presence in Missouri, punishable by life imprisonment. These provisions are discriminatory, inhumane, and fundamentally un-American. This bill exacerbates mass incarceration, encourages racial profiling, and fuels xenophobia, all while placing an additional financial burden on taxpayers by expanding an already overextended prison system. It sets a dangerous precedent by devaluing individuals based solely on their perceived immigration status, fostering fear and division within our communities. Such policies erode public trust and safety, undermining the very fabric of our society. SB 58, SB 114, SB 137, SB 282, and HB 540 seek to criminalize "improper entry" into Missouri, harboring undocumented individuals, encouraging undocumented immigration, and impose double penalties on undocumented individuals convicted of felonies. Furthermore, they penalize municipalities providing sanctuary to undocumented immigrants, prohibit state funds from assisting undocumented individuals, and authorize the militarization of the border. As a non-border state, Missouri lacks the jurisdiction to enforce federal immigration laws. The Supremacy Clause explicitly prohibits state interference in this area, making these bills a clear overreach that invites costly legal challenges. These bills not only violate federal law but also divert critical resources away from addressing pressing public safety issues, such as gun violence. Immigrants, who are statistically less likely to commit crimes, are unfairly targeted, institutionalizing racial profiling and fostering a climate of hostility. These bills infringe on constitutional rights. For instance, SB 72’s provision allowing deportation within 24 hours without a hearing denies individuals their right to due process. Similarly, SB 58, SB 114, SB 137, SB 282, and HB 540 criminalizes mere presence in the U.S., despite it not being a federal offense. These laws fail to account for the complexities of federal immigration policies and the realities of mixed-status families, which include over 36,000 Missourians who are U.S. citizens. Rather than enacting unconstitutional and divisive legislation, Missouri should focus on policies that strengthen our communities, such as investments in education, healthcare, housing, and infrastructure. These bills are unnecessary, harmful, and contrary to our shared values of fairness, justice, and compassion.