ImmigrationMississippi Senate approves Arizona-style immigration bill
Mississippi estimates it has 90,000 illegal aliens in the state, and that it spends $24 million in education and $35 million a year in health care on them; An Arizona-style bill has passed through the Mississippi state senate and now heads to the state house
Mississippi state house in Jackson // Source: voyagesphotosmanu.com
An Arizona-style bill has passed through the Mississippi state senate and now heads to the state house where its future is a bit more cloudy. If passed, the bill would make its way to Governor Haley Barbour’s desk who has expressed luke-warm support for the bill at best.
NumbersUSA reports that the law differs from Arizona’s in that it applies to traffic stops. Traffic violators would have to show their proof of legal residency if stopped for another infraction. If an illegal alien is detected, the bill also allots $20 per day to local jails while they wait for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to pick up the individual.
“There should be no reason why law enforcement authorities cannot ask for proof of citizenship during a routine traffic stop,” said Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, who has said illegal immigration is one of the top issues facing legislators this year.
The bill was offered by state Senator Joey Fillingane. Fillingane said that Mississippi had 49,000 illegal aliens as of 2006 and current estimates have it closer to 90,000. Supporters of the bill say a state audit reveals that Mississippi spends $24 million in education and $35 million a year in health care on illegal immigrants.
