Mississippi Legislature Approves Arizona-Like Immigration Law

Heads up! If you’re Latino or look Latino you may want to avoid Mississippi.

That state’s legislature has approved an Arizona style immigration bill that, according to Fox News Latino, “would allow law enforcement officers, during traffic stops and other encounters, to check the immigration status of subject they suspect to be in the country without documents.” Not that Mississippi is a Latino tourist and visitor mecca, but it’s good to know if you happen to be traveling through the place. Becasue

People who can’t produce documents to show they’re U.S. citizens, legal residents or visitors with visas could be jailed. Those found to be in the country without proper documentation eventually could be deported.

So if you find yourself in that state you’d bette make sure you’ve got your “papers,” or else. I don’t generally carry around proof of citizenship, other than my driver’s license. I don’t think I should be antagonized into doing so. It’s my right, as a citizen. But some cop in Jackson may think I look the part of someone who doesn’t belong.

I know there are some abuelitas who like to play the slot machines in Biloxi; they might want to take their money elsewhere.