Mississippi lawmakers are advancing a bill that would make illegal immigration a state crime, a key priority for State Auditor Shad White. The legislation is now heading to the governor’s desk for approval.
White emphasized the proposal during his legislative push, citing that the state spends about $100 million annually on services for illegal immigrants. The bill would expand law enforcement’s authority to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
If enacted, the legislation could help reduce costs for taxpayers and improve enforcement efforts, White’s office said. Details of the bill’s provisions are pending final legislative approval.
