JACKSON — Gov. Phil Bryant has issued an Executive Order reaffirming Mississippi law that prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving public benefits. The order also requires executive state agencies that administer such benefits to clarify their processes in order to guard against erroneously issuing benefits to persons recently granted “deferred action” status by the Obama Administration.
In June, President Obama disregarded federal immigration law yet again by granting “deferred action” status to a broad class of people who are not citizens or legal residents of the United States.
Gov. Bryant is concerned that Mississippi taxpayers could be unduly burdened if state agencies erroneously issue public benefits to a person simply because he or she was granted “deferred action” status by President Obama. Being granted such status does not confer legal rights to a person and does not entitle that person to receive public benefits. Mississippi law prohibits issuing public benefits to a person who is not lawfully present in the state or country.
“Illegal immigration has real consequences for Mississippi, as it puts additional burdens on our already stretched budget,” Gov. Bryant said. “This Executive Order will help ensure that public benefits go to only those persons who are lawfully eligible.”
A copy of the Executive Order can be found here: http://www.governorbryant.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Executive-Order-1299.pdf
Previous Comments
Funny, how he never mentions the tax benefits of undocumented immigrants. Doesn’t fit the political narrative.
#903 | Author: Donna Ladd | Date: Aug 24 2012
Imagine the tax benefits for America if undocumented immigrants entered the country legally.
#911 | Author: Jimmie | Date: Aug 25 2012
Yes , you are right. Illegals get a lot of tax benefits. Getting paid under the table and not paying federal, state or local taxes. Living with 12 people in a garage and avoiding property tax. Sending their kids to public schools at a cost of average $12,000 per year all at the taxpayers expense. I couldn’t agree with you more on the benefits they receive.
#912 | Author: ronk1957 | Date: Aug 25 2012
Imagine the tax benefits for America if undocumented immigrants entered the country legally. Imagine if they *could* enter legally because we set up some of the sensible guest worker programs that have been talked about by everyone from GW Bush to Barack Obama. And ronk, maybe try facts? http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/unauthorized-immigrants-pay-taxes-too
#918 | Author: Todd Stauffer | Date: Aug 27 2012
Recent Immigration Stories
The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.