The St. Charles County Council is regrouping after a resolution opposing the resettlement of up to 30,000 Latin American immigrants in the St. Louis region failed unexpectedly. The resolution was sponsored by three council members but failed on a 3-3 vote when one sponsor was absent from the meeting.
The resolution opposes a program announced by the International Institute of St. Louis, labor unions, and other organizations to resettle immigrants from Latin American countries in the region. Supporters of the program argue that immigrants make invaluable contributions to communities and fuel growth.
However, council members who oppose the program argue that it breaks federal laws and qualifies as illegal immigration. They have faced backlash from attendees of the meeting, including the Hispanic Bar Association of St. Louis and St. Charles Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Those against the resolution believe it reinforces negative impressions of St. Charles County and instills fear in immigrants, while those in support argue that it is a statement of the council’s values. If the resolution is reintroduced, some attendees have vowed to continue speaking out against it.
The issue has also drawn attention at the state level, with Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and attorney generals from 20 other states challenging the program’s validity in court. Despite differing opinions, the debate surrounding immigration continues to be a point of contention in the St. Louis region.
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