Immigration a hot topic at Legislature

Immigration a hot topic at Legislature

“This is a homeland security issue, a jobs issue, an education issue,” said Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, after speaking to a group of more than 100 Mississippians at the Capitol Tuesday.

The group urged lawmakers to consider the legislation. Addressing illegal immigration was one of Bryant’s campaign promises.

Jerry Jones of Sandhill, who wore a “STOP ILLEGALS” sticker in the crowd, said she’s “not aware of an influx” but that “it’s only a matter of time.”

The Washington-based Pew Research Center estimates there are up to 50,000 undocumented immigrants living in Mississippi. A local immigrants’ rights group, however, estimates the number to be four times higher.

Hattiesburg American
2/17/8