JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance rallied at the Capitol in Jackson on Wednesday for proposals they’d like to see passed this legislative session.
On the docket first was getting in-state tuition for undocumented high school students in Mississippi.
“A number of states have already passed legislation that allows for that,” said MIRA Executive Director Bill Chandler. “We would like Mississippi be part of the change in attitude towards undocumented students.”
Chandler also told News Mississippi the group has a general proposal to reform worker’s compensation laws.
“Many private sector employers don’t [report injuries and accidents] and particularly those that employ low-income people of color,” said Chandler. “And Mississippi doesn’t even report that to the federal department of labor.”
He said MIRA wants to see the drug test removed that’s required before people can receive medial help too.
“The length of time for people in Mississippi to receive benefits should they be injured is a little over eight years,” said Chandler in hopes it will be reformed.
He said MIRA would continue to fight bills that they deemed detrimental to immigrants this legislative session.
