Blunt's immigration crackdown stokes anxiety
By
Brad Belote
Story Created:
Oct 29, 2007 at 4:26 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Oct 29, 2007 at 4:26 PM CDT
HANNIBAL, Mo. (AP) - Governor Blunt's crackdown on illegal immigration has not uncovered any major instances of contractors employing illegal immigrants.
But it has stoked anxiety among business owners who worry that Hispanic employees might be targeted by law enforcement.
A high-profile immigration bust in Hannibal seems to mirror the broader crackdown on businesses. While the questioning of 19 Hispanic men only uncovered one illegal immigrant, the event further stirred fears that Blunt's policy might lead to racial profiling.
The head of the St. Louis-area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said a company may not hire a Hispanic because they don't want to risk having problems with the government.
In August Blunt directed highway patrol agents to check the immigration status of everyone presented for incarceration. Since then 75 illegal immigrants have been identified through the checks.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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