Mississippi lawmakers have passed a bill that makes illegal immigration a state crime, and the measure takes effect July 1, State Auditor Shad White’s office said. White made the proposal a top legislative priority last year and said his team traveled around the state to advocate for the change.
White’s office said its audit found Mississippi taxpayers spend more than $100 million annually on costs associated with illegal immigration. The office said supporters of the bill believe the new law will help ensure state tax dollars go to Mississippi citizens rather than to people living in the state unlawfully.
White is the elected state auditor, an office responsible for overseeing public funds and auditing state and local government spending. The passage of the bill represents a state-level effort to address immigration issues that many policymakers tie to budgetary and public-service concerns.
Details about enforcement, penalties and how the law will be implemented were not provided by White’s office. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
