A Missouri senator has proposed a controversial initiative that would provide a $1,000 bounty to residents who turn in undocumented migrants to the state highway patrol. The “bounty hunter” proposal, introduced by Sen.-elect David Gregory, aims to address concerns about illegal immigration, a key issue for President-elect Donald Trump. The plan would create an online portal for reporting undocumented individuals in communities and establish a program to certify bounty hunters to find and detain immigrants in the state. Those apprehended would face penalties such as being barred from public benefits, voting, driving permits, or becoming legal residents of Missouri.
The proposal has sparked debate over the role of the state in immigration enforcement, with supporters citing concerns about border security and opponents highlighting the contributions of undocumented workers to the state’s economy. Other GOP-led bills introduced in the Legislature also focus on immigration enforcement, including fines for businesses that do not verify employee documentation and penalties for cities with immigrant sanctuary policies. The proposed legislation comes amid broader national discussions on immigration policy and efforts by the Biden administration to address border issues. The bill, known as Senate Bill 72, is likely to face scrutiny and opposition from critics who view it as punitive and discriminatory.
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