Missouri lawmakers OK limiting scholarships for immigrants

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A measure that would block immigrants who are illegally in the U.S. from receiving money under Missouri's A+ scholarship program is headed to Gov. Jay Nixon's desk.

The Missouri House gave final approval Tuesday, 108-38, to the bill supporters say is meant to limit the number of people receiving scholarships to preserve them for Missouri residents.

Democratic opponents and advocates for immigrants say it would cause financial hardship for hardworking students seeking to get a college education and contribute to society.

Democratic Rep. Lauren Arthur of Kansas City said students brought to the U.S. as children should not be punished because legislators have created a funding problem for the scholarship program.

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The scholarship bill is SB 224.

Online

Senate: http://www.senate.mo.gov