Mississippi, like many parts of the United States, has been shaped by the contributions of immigrants who have come here seeking a better life. These individuals bring with them diverse perspectives, strong work ethics, and cultural richness, all of which have woven themselves into the fabric of Mississippi’s identity. Whether they are small business owners, agricultural workers, or professionals in medicine and education, immigrants have played an essential role in the state’s economic growth and cultural development. From farm fields to Main Street, their contributions are deeply felt, and their presence enriches the communities they call home.

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However, the strength of our immigrant community depends on ensuring that the process of coming to the United States is done legally and transparently. Legal immigration allows individuals to contribute to society while ensuring they are supported through the appropriate structures, such as access to education, healthcare, and the chance to build a future. It's a pathway that fosters inclusion while upholding the laws and values of the country, which protect both immigrants and long-time residents.

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At the same time, it is essential to protect our communities from the threat posed by illegal activity, including those who may cross borders unlawfully with the intent to harm. Mississippi, like any state, deserves security, and it is critical to ensure that law enforcement has the resources to keep out those who wish to engage in criminal behavior. Keeping dangerous criminals out is not just about protecting American families; it is also about protecting immigrants who come here seeking a better life from exploitation and crime. A strong, legal immigration system allows us to welcome those who come to contribute and build while ensuring safety and justice for all.

1. Reform the Visa System

• Proposal: Streamline the visa system to prioritize high-skilled workers, agricultural laborers, and industries facing shortages. Introduce a merit-based immigration system that rewards skills, education, and economic contribution.

• Implementation: Draft legislation to increase caps on employment-based visas and reduce processing times. Reform the H-2A and H-2B visa programs to ensure Mississippi’s agriculture and other key industries have the labor force they need. Set up partnerships with universities and industries to match foreign talent with U.S. economic needs.

• Expected Impact: Mississippi and other states benefit from a more reliable and legal workforce. Economic growth fueled by talent-based immigration, while maintaining the security of job markets for American workers. Decreased illegal employment practices and labor shortages in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing sectors.

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2. Enhance Legal Immigration Pathways

• Proposal: Create clear and efficient legal immigration pathways for individuals already residing in the U.S. legally but facing long wait times for permanent residency or citizenship. Prioritize family reunification and productive members of society.

• Implementation: Streamline the green card and naturalization process by reducing backlogs and increasing the number of processing centers. Advocate for legislation that balances family-based immigration and employment-based immigration, capping extended family migration. Establish stricter timelines for adjudicating immigration applications to prevent long waits.

• Expected Impact: A more efficient immigration system that reduces illegal immigration by offering realistic, legal alternatives. Family reunification while maintaining labor market stability. Less strain on immigration courts and detention facilities.

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3. Implement a Mandatory E-Verify System

• Proposal: Require all employers to use the E-Verify system to check the legal status of their employees to ensure compliance with immigration laws and deter the hiring of undocumented workers.

• Implementation: Introduce legislation making E-Verify mandatory nationwide, with fines for non-compliance. Provide incentives for small businesses to transition into using the E-Verify system through federal grants or tax credits. Conduct educational campaigns to help employers understand and comply with E-Verify requirements.

• Expected Impact: Greater accountability for businesses hiring only legal workers. Reduction in the employment of undocumented workers, reducing illegal immigration incentives. Positive economic impact in states like Mississippi, where industries such as manufacturing and construction rely on a legal workforce.

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4. Support Local Law Enforcement's Role in Immigration

• Proposal: Enhance cooperation between federal immigration agencies and local law enforcement to ensure the timely identification and deportation of individuals involved in criminal activities and residing illegally.

• Implementation: Provide federal grants to local law enforcement agencies to enhance training on immigration laws. Establish clear protocols for cooperation between federal ICE agents and local police in Mississippi and other states. Support legislation that provides local agencies with additional resources to identify and remove criminal immigrants.

• Expected Impact: Safer communities through the removal of criminal illegal immigrants. Local law enforcement empowered to assist in upholding immigration laws, without overburdening their existing responsibilities. Increased trust in the immigration system as law enforcement and federal agencies work in tandem.

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5. Prioritize the Removal of Illegal Criminal Immigrants

• Proposal: Establish a national priority for the identification, apprehension, and deportation of illegal immigrants who have committed serious crimes. This includes expanding resources for ICE and federal-local law enforcement collaboration to remove individuals posing a threat to public safety.

• Implementation: Introduce legislation that mandates the deportation of illegal immigrants convicted of violent crimes, drug trafficking, gang involvement, and human trafficking. Expand programs like "Secure Communities" that help local law enforcement agencies identify illegal immigrants in their custody by cross-referencing their fingerprints with federal immigration databases.

• Expected Impact: Enhanced public safety by removing dangerous individuals from communities in Mississippi and across the U.S. Reduced pressure on the criminal justice system by efficiently deporting convicted illegal immigrants rather than keeping them in domestic prisons. Improved coordination between federal and local law enforcement agencies, fostering a more secure environment in communities. Clear message that criminal behavior by illegal immigrants will not be tolerated, reinforcing the rule of law and national security.