Proposed Mississippi immigration law sparks debate

WMC-TV
January 13, 2011
JACKSON, MS (WMC-TV)

Immigrant rights groups in Mississippi are not pleased at all after a proposed bill very similar to the immigration law in Arizona.

Members of the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance (MIRA) said they are frustrated with the state's efforts to see passage of Senate Bill 2179.

"This bill is founded on inaccurate information claiming that immigrants bring crime to Mississippi," said MIRA Director Bill Chandler.

At a rally in Jackson, Mississippi, several speakers had harsh words for the proposed bill.

"We also stand here with the understanding that the legislation that's being offered is nothing more than racial profiling," said NAACP Mississippi President Derrick Johnson.

A MIRA member, Sole Arrellano, said "Now we are discriminated, and we're here to fight for our rights."

Lawmakers in favor of the bill said it just allows law enforcement to determine someone's immigration status.

"What we're saying is this state will allow state law enforcement officials to enforce federal laws," said Lt. Governor Phil Bryant.

Senate Bill 2179 allows law enforcement to check someone's immigration status, regardless of race, if they are stopped, detained or arrested.

http://www.wmctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13834212