FILE - In this Jan. 17, 2017, file photo, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant discusses his legislative priorities during his State of the State address in the House chamber at the Capitol in Jackson, Miss. The Republican governor signed a bill into law Monday, March 27, 2017, that bans sanctuary cities in the state for immigrants who have entered the U.S. illegally. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)
Republished March 27, 2017 - 1:01 PM
Original Publication Date March 27, 2017 - 10:05 AM
JACKSON, Miss. - Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant has signed a law banning sanctuary cities and other policies that might help people who have entered the country illegally.
Bryant is a longtime critic of illegal entry by immigrants. He cited President Donald Trump's executive order banning sanctuary cities when he signed the law Monday.
Since Trump's order, some states added protections for immigrants, while others moved to limit such communities.
The Mississippi bill says cities, state agencies and public colleges in Mississippi can't prevent employees from asking about someone's immigration status. These public agencies also can't give aid to people who entered the country without permission, such as by issuing an identification card.
Immigrant advocates and some religious groups argued against the measure.
News from © The Associated Press, 2017