Coming to America

It's no secret that there are illegal immigrants, many from Mexico, living in Southeast Missouri. For the most part, these relative newcomers find work, obey the law and send money to families in the home countries. They have been rarely sought by local law enforcement or immigration officials. They were usually apprehended only when they committed other crimes.

But there is a shift now. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency, is asking local police departments to take a more active role in tracking down illegal immigrants. And a new Missouri law requires local authorities to cooperate with ICE in an effort to prevent any area from becoming a safe haven for immigrants.

One overarching issue that remains is the ease with which Mexicans and other Central and South American cross our southern borders. The numbers have decreased dramatically in recent months, but that likely is because the recession means fewer jobs are available rather that better border enforcement.

Another important issue is the responsibility place on U.S. employers to verify the status of new hires. Employers who don't follow these requirements are inviting repercussions from federal authorities.

Illegal immigration is a complex issue. The upgraded ICE effort only touches a tip of the situation.