JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Republican state senator wants Missouri's state's attorney general to sue the federal government, accusing it of not adequately enforcing immigration laws.
The bill by Sen. Will Kraus, of Lee's Summit, would have the Missouri auditor calculate how much illegal immigrants cost local and state agencies. The measure would allow the attorney general to sue the federal government for those costs.
Kraus told a Senate panel Wednesday he wants to send the federal government a message that illegal immigrants are costing the state taxpayer dollars. His proposal would have to be approved by voters if it passes the General Assembly.
Immigrant rights groups say immigration authorities have stepped up enforcement significantly over the last three years and that a lawsuit would be unnecessary.
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Immigration lawsuits bill is SB473
Online:
Missouri Senate: http://senate.mo.gov