Lawmakers propose new restrictions for illegal immigrants, employers

Missouri lawmakers and elected officials have proposed various laws and regulations that impose restrictions and penalties for illegal immigrants and their employers. It's part of a national trend as state legislatures have tried to address an issue that has stalled in Congress. Here's a look at some of the details:EDUCATION

Illegal immigrants would be barred from enrolling in public colleges and universities. Another proposal would permit enrollment but ban the student from receiving public financial aid, loans or scholarships.

DRIVER'S LICENSES

State driver's licenses and identification cards could not be issued to illegal immigrants. Another measure would also refuse to recognize licenses issued by other states to illegal immigrants.

POLICE

Law enforcement would need to check immigration status for all felony and drunken driving arrests. The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Water Patrol, and Capitol Police have begun running these checks. Another proposal would require police officers and sheriff's deputies to report to immigration authorities any arrested suspect they believe is in the country illegally.

CHECKING STATUS

State contractors would need to use a federal database that checks whether potential employees are authorized to work. All public employers, such as school districts and municipal governments, would also need to use the database. In 2006, Gov. Matt Blunt ordered most state agencies to run the checks.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Illegal immigrants would be banned from receiving most services not specifically required to be provided under federal law. One measure would also require checking the immigration status of those 14 and older who apply for various government benefits.

BUSINESSES

Employers caught "knowingly" hiring illegal immigrants would need to return any state tax breaks. Other bills would levy fines of up to $50,000 if employers for companies receiving state money knew or "should have known" that they were employing unauthorized workers. Attorney General Jay Nixon has called for adopting an Arizona law that could shut down businesses repeatedly caught hiring illegal workers.

MUNICIPAL RULES

Cities couldn't adopt policies that prevent cooperation with immigration authorities.

MONEY

Before wiring money overseas, companies would need to verify that the person sending the funds is allowed to be in the United States.

TRANSPORTING

It would be a felony to move or transport through the state a person known to be an illegal immigrant.