Tennessee Passes Controversial Immigration Bill, ACLU Plans Legal Challenge

Tennessee lawmakers are advancing a controversial immigration enforcement bill that aims to strengthen state-level control over immigration policies. The legislation, which has received overwhelming support from House Republicans but faced staunch opposition from Democrats, includes provisions to establish a new Immigration Enforcement Division, offer grants to local law enforcement, and impose criminal penalties on public officials supporting sanctuary policies, potentially leading to felony charges. Critics, including the ACLU of Tennessee, have raised concerns about the constitutionality of these measures, arguing they threaten civil rights and could lead to voter suppression. Notably, the bill mandates distinct driver's licenses for lawful permanent residents, a move lawmakers claim will assist in determining voting eligibility. The swift passage of this legislation has drawn parallels to former President Trump's immigration agenda, highlighting a significant shift in Tennessee's immigration policy. The bill awaits Governor Bill Lee's signature to become law.