Mississippi State Immigration Laws
Like Alabama, Arizona, Florida, and Tennessee, immigration laws in Mississippi are some of the harsher for immigrants without proper documentation. Mississippi’s state-specific policies impact the daily lives of noncitizens, from employment verification to access to education and public benefits.
States have their own rules that determine what services and benefits immigrants can access and how they engage with state systems. States also have a significant say in how they enforce immigration laws. These rules and regulations vary by state.
This article outlines immigration rules and policies in Mississippi. Find information on:
Immigration rules continue to evolve. Anyone facing an immigration issue in Mississippi should speak with a local immigration attorney for up‑to‑date guidance.
Law Enforcement and Immigration in Mississippi
The “Secure Communities” federal program once required that all arrestees’ names be entered into a database, which checked immigration statuses. Former President Donald Trump renewed the program by executive order in 2017. But President Joe Biden revoked that executive order in 2021.
The new program is the “Criminal Apprehension Program.” It only applies to those convicted of a crime, not just arrested.
Employment and Immigration
Refer to federal employment eligibility verification rules and the requirements for Form I-9.
Mississippi E-Verify Requirements
All public and private employers in Mississippi must use E-Verify. Businesses that fail to verify workers’ employment eligibility may face sanctions. These can include losing their business licenses.
Driver’s License Requirements
To get a driver’s license in Mississippi, noncitizens must provide:
- Any official immigration papers, like an I-94, valid visa, or resident alien card
- Original birth certificate or any acceptable documents
- Proof of Social Security number
- Legal documents proving name change, if applicable
- Two proofs of Mississippi residency
Documents proving residency could include a lease agreement, a utility bill, or mortgage documents.
Public Benefits Restrictions
Under federal law, immigrants without proper documentation can’t get most public benefits. But they can get emergency services and emergency health care. They can use other necessary programs to protect life and safety.
Tuition Costs for Immigrants
In Mississippi, students can attend public schools. This includes state colleges and universities. DACA recipients can also attend public schools. Students without proper documentation must pay out-of-state tuition to attend Mississippi public universities. In the state, students without proper documentation are also not eligible for state-funded financial aid.
DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It protects eligible young adults from deportation after their parents brought them to the United States as children. It also gives these young adults work authorization for limited periods. Those periods of work authorization are renewable.
Voting ID Rules
Voters in Mississippi must show identification documents to vote.
Need More Help? Contact an Immigration Attorney Today
Immigration attorneys are the most effective legal resource you can use for any immigration issue. With their advocacy, you can move more easily through any immigration-related process, whether for yourself or your family members.
An experienced attorney can help with any aspect of the U.S. immigration system, including:
- Working with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Facing immigration court or a possible deportation
- Obtaining green cards or visas.
- Going through the naturalization process
FindLaw’s directory of immigration attorneys can get you started. Because state immigration laws are relevant, your attorney should be licensed in Mississippi. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of qualified legal professionals in your area. Your search results will also show important details about prospective lawyers, including ratings and whether they offer free consultations.
Do not be afraid to talk to an immigration lawyer—attorney-client privilege prohibits them from sharing information about your immigration status. Their role is to help you, not act as an enforcement agent.
Immigration in Mississippi: Related Resources
- Know Your Rights — This guide will help you protect yourself and your family during immigration raids.
- Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance — This nonprofit organization provides various forms of aid to immigrants and migrants in the state, including legal assistance.
- Catholic Charities of Jackson — This faith-based organization provides legal services, education, and advocacy to immigrants residing in Mississippi.
