Immigration (Refugees & Asylum)

SB 2196 would criminalize illegal entry into Mississippi by non-citizens who enter outside designated ports of entry (Section 5) or remain in the state after being denied admission or removed by federal authorities (Section 6). It classifies these violations as misdemeanors (up to 180 days jail or $2,000 fine) or felonies (up to 2 years jail or $10,000 fine) depending on prior offenses. The bill includes limited affirmative defenses for those with federal asylum, lawful presence, or approved DACA status (2012-2021), but not for other federal programs. Law enforcement cannot arrest individuals at schools, places of worship, or healthcare facilities under this law (Section 2), and court orders for removal require specific documentation and federal database checks (Section 3). The bill died in committee in February 2025 and was never enacted.