On Monday, the House Committee on Homeland Security heard testimony on HB 2844, sponsored by Rep. Brad Hudson (R-Cape Fair). Among other things, this bill would create the offense of “trespass by an illegal alien”, which would make an undocumented migrant who has committed a minor misdemeanor (such as a traffic violation) guilty of a Class E felony, punishable by up to 4 years in prison. If HB 2844 is voted out of committee, it will go to the full House for debate.
That same day, the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence held a hearing on SB 1372, sponsored by Sen. Bill Eigel (R-St. Charles). This bill would create the state crime of “improper entry by an alien”, punishable by a $10,000 fine and an order of removal (deportation). It would also bar undocumented students from attending college or vocational and technical school in Missouri. If SB 1372 is voted out of committee, it will go to the full Senate for debate.
The Church acknowledges both that people have the right to migrate to sustain the lives of their families and that countries have the right to control immigration, as long as they do so with justice and mercy. However, laws that are disproportionate and overly punitive cannot be just or merciful. The MCC testified in opposition to both bills.