Advocates Say Sanctuary City Ban Will Hurt Mississippi Economy

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Some Mississippi clergy, law enforcement and immigration advocates are lining up against a bill banning immigration sanctuary policies.

Senate Bill 2710 says that municipalities, state agencies and public colleges can’t prevent employees from asking someone’s immigration status and can’t give legal status to people who have entered the country without permission.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson says churches might consider declaring themselves sanctuaries despite the bill. He says it hurts businesses relying on immigrant labor.

The bill would override a Jackson ordinance forbidding police officers from asking about immigration status. Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance says his department shouldn’t be immigration enforcers, but says Jackson will follow the law.

Rep. Andy Gipson, a Braxton Republican, says the bill is cost-free and ensures consistent laws statewide.

Categories: Local News, State News

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *