Controversial immigration bill passed in Mississippi

The Republican-dominated House of Representatives in Mississippi voted 70-47 on Thursday to pass the “Support Our Law enforcement and Safe Neighborhood Act.” Republican Governor Phil Bryant supports the measure and reported that he believes too little has been done on immigration policies and a crackdown is urgently needed. The governor said, “Perhaps it’s boat-rocking time in Mississippi.” The new bill includes measures like requiring police to check the immigration status of people who are arrested. It would also ban any “business transaction,” including renewing a driver’s license and getting a business license.

Rodney Hunt, chairman for the Mississippi Federation for Immigration Reform and Enforcement said, “Illegal immigration eliminates a lot of jobs for people who want to provide for their families. Passing this bill will open up more jobs and lower unemployment for the state.” The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) reported that it has told Mississippi it will sue the state if the bill passes. Legal director for the SPLC Mary Bower said, “I would suggest that just because the state can pass that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.” The bill will now go to the Senate for approval, where it is also expected to pass. The House and the Senate are both controlled by Republicans, who won the majorities last year for the first time in 140 years.