Tennessee legislature approves bill invalidating out-of-state licenses for undocumented immigrants

Tennessee lawmakers are advancing legislation that would invalidate out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants, marking a significant move in the state's immigration policy. The bill, SB 1086, has passed both chambers and now awaits Governor Bill Lee's signature, requiring the Department of Safety to publish a list of invalid licenses by December 1, 2025. Critics, including some Democrats, argue that the bill could create a subclass of individuals subjected to discrimination, drawing historical parallels to Nazi laws. They also warn it could negatively impact tourism and interstate trade. Proponents, however, claim the law addresses constituent concerns about valid identification on Tennessee roads. The broader implications of this bill, alongside a separate proposal challenging the Plyler v. Doe decision that protects educational access for undocumented children, signal a tightening stance on immigration in Tennessee.