Immigration (Work Authorization)

HB 47 prohibits knowingly transporting unauthorized immigrants into Mississippi as a felony punishable by 1-5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. It also criminalizes forging government documents for unauthorized immigrants with similar penalties. The bill directly affects individuals who transport undocumented people or forge documents, while amending existing laws to strengthen enforcement (e.g., increasing penalties for E-Verify violations and restricting driver's licenses for unauthorized immigrants). It also clarifies that Mississippi agencies must cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and prohibits unauthorized immigrants from serving as labor representatives. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and does not specify new public benefit restrictions beyond existing provisions.