Thread: MS-Illegal Immigration Rally

Illegal Immigration Rally

JACKSON - They believe House Bill 488 would force Mississippi taxpayers to house illegal aliens while in jail, as well as pay for their medical expenses.
March 28, 2012
Illegal Immigration Rally | WJTV


A group rallied at the state capitol today to speak out against the proposed illegal immigration laws. They believe House Bill 488 would force Mississippi taxpayers to house illegal aliens while in jail, as well as pay for their medical expenses.

"It’s not fair for our taxpayers to support this," expresses the Ellisville Mayor.

Tim Waldrup says HB 488 would be a burden on cities and counties who have to deal with illegal immigrants. He tells us it costs the city 25-dollars a day to jail an adult and 75-dollars a day for a minor.

When asked if taxes would be raised should this legislation gets passed, Mayor Waldrup responded, "It would probably be necessary."

Ellisville Police Chief Bruce Russell explains they would probably have to hire an interpreter instead of other necessary purchases.

"It’s buy police equipment, new cars or bullet-proof vests or we'll detain these immigrants," comments Chief Russell.

Some state lawmakers believe this would open the door for racial profiling.

"I don't think we want people who've come into our country to get in a situation to have to carry papers on them," Representative Kimberly Campbell Buck.

But, Representative Becky Currie, who authored this bill, argues illegal immigrants are taking Mississippian’s jobs and they are not paying taxes.

When asked how much money illegal immigrants are costingMississippitaxpayers, Rep. Currie responded, "It's about 120-million dollars a year that we know of."

Rep. Currie adds HB 488 is meant to enforce laws already on the books.

It is now awaiting a vote in the full senate.