On Wednesday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee revealed the plans of his government on illegal immigration.
On January 27, the plan is set to be presented to the General Assembly during a special session. This follows the executive orders issued by New President, which were intended to stop illegal immigration and protect the borders of the United States.
According to a press release from the governor’s office, Lee’s agenda includes a framework to “strengthen immigration enforcement across Tennessee by creating a new division within the Department of Safety, supporting local law enforcement participation in federal programs, and revisiting state-issued identification policies.”
The Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division is a new division that will “ensure efficient resource allocation and effective enforcement of immigration laws.” The division would work together with the new administration.
Furthermore, the new agenda will attempt to guarantee that only citizens, permanent residents, and individuals with federal authorization will be able to obtain Tennessee IDs.
People who are not citizens will have markings on their licenses, and in order to renew or reinstate their driver’s licenses, they will need to provide proof of citizenship.
In November, Scott Cepicky, a Republican state representative from Culleoka, proposed a bill that would allow noncitizens to have driver’s licenses in multiple colors.
The suggested regulations would also encourage local governments to help police immigration laws.
If a municipal official were to establish sanctuary city regulations, it would be considered a Class E crime, and officials would be punished for not complying with enforcement mandates. Local governments would also receive funding to help them implement immigration rules.
“Tennessee has a long track record of stepping up to secure our Nation’s borders and strengthening public safety,” Lee stated.
Disaster aid and education vouchers will also be discussed during the extraordinary session on January 27.
“The governor’s surprising inclusion of immigration legislation in this special session is just another transparent attempt to distract attention from his voucher scam,” House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons stated. “Providing overdue and much-needed financial aid and relief for the Tennessee families and communities devastated by flooding in September should be our focus and singular priority during this special session.”
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“Tennessee’s commitment to enforcing immigration law has never been in question. This legislation allows us to put that commitment into action now that we have a willing federal partner in New President,” Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) stated. “This bill will enable us to aid the federal government in the efficient identification and deportation of aliens with violent felonies and extensive criminal records.”
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Lee expressed gratitude to the General Assembly and other government officials for their efforts to improve public safety.
