NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 25, 2016— Tennessee State Rep. Jeremy Durham (R-Franklin) has introduced five pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening Tennessee’s stance on illegal immigration. The bills, each targeting specific areas of immigration policy, are intended to close enforcement loopholes.
“We’re seeing many adverse effects resulting from illegal immigration in the State of Tennessee, and something has to be done about it. While Tennessee is forced to deal with the costs associated with illegal immigration, the federal government chooses to stand on the sidelines, purposefully ignoring existing legislation on these matters,” said Durham. “Individuals who have entered this country illegally or have overstayed their visas are draining state and local resources with impunity. This abuse has taken resources away from people that actually need help, taken jobs from hard working people, and is a massive burden to Tennessee tax-payers. This package of legislation will strengthen our ability to hold these people, as well as those who choose to employ them, accountable.”
Durham’s legislation seeks to change or strengthen the law in five ways:
1.) Prohibiting local governments who interfere with federal law pertaining to immigration from receiving Department of economic and community development aid.
2.) Requiring the forfeiture of all state funding by any public institution of higher education who classifies a student who is not a United States citizen as a Tennessee resident.
3.) Increasing the penalties imposed on businesses who employ illegal immigrants.
4.) Removing a current exemption from employment verification requirements for businesses employing fewer than six people.
5.) Requiring the department of labor and workforce development to report total number of final orders associated with illegal immigrant employment to the general assembly.
State Senators Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet), Roberts (R-Springfield), Johnson (R-Franklin), and Stevens (R-Huntingdon) will carry the Senate versions of their respective bills.
Jeremy Durham – 65th District
