Tennessee’s 2010 legislative session saw numerous efforts to criminalize and further marginalize members of the immigrant community and burden all segments of society with the complex task of verifying legal immigration documents. Although there were several notable disappointments, advocates were able to defeat over 95% of the anti-immigrant bills in 2010.
House of Representatives: Republicans made significant gains (D – 34; R – 64).
Tennessee HJR 1253 commends Arizona on its upcoming centennial anniversary and salutes the Arizona State Legislature and Governor Jan Brewer for passing SB 1070. Although this resolution does not impact Tennessee law, it associates the state of Tennessee with Arizona’s law and could deter businesses from investing in the state. HJR 1253 was passed without the governor’s signature on June 19, 2010.
Governor: While campaigning, Governor Bill Haslam (R) said he would sign Arizona-style legislation if it passed the legislature.
Tennessee Update
Due to their resolution commending Arizona, it is expected that a similar piece of legislation will be introduced in the state's 2011 legislative session. Big Republican gains in the legislature increase the chances of a debate on Arizona-like legislation in Tennessee, and Senator Bill Ketron is said to be working on an Arizona-like bill.
