MS HB356

Amends Mississippi Code to allow students without documented immigration status or holding temporary visas to pay in-state tuition at state universities, community colleges, and junior colleges if they meet specified criteria.

Requires eligible students to have resided continuously in Mississippi for at least five years, obtained a high school diploma or GED from a Mississippi school, enrolled at a qualifying institution, filed state income taxes (or parent/guardian filed), and filed an affidavit confirming they are not in removal proceedings.

Requires eligible students to affirm they will file a petition for permanent residency with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services within 90 days of becoming eligible to do so.

Clarifies that this provision does not grant domiciliary status and entitles qualifying students to the same rights and benefits as other in-state students, including eligibility for state financial aid.

Effective July 1, 2010.