Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday, April 21 signed first-of-its-kind legislation aimed at strengthening Tennessee’s response to illegal immigration.
House Bill 1704, sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, will strengthen public safety and accountability related to illegal immigration. The new law takes effect on July 1.
The new law establishes state-level criminal penalties for individuals unlawfully present in the United States who have received a final order of removal under federal law and intentionally refuse to leave Tennessee, as well as for those who unlawfully reenter the state after being deported.
Violations would be classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, and would apply only to adults 18 and older.
“Tennessee has a duty to protect the rights, safety and privileges of its citizens and legal residents,” Lamberth said. “This common-sense legislation respects constitutional boundaries while ensuring we are prepared if states’ authority is restored. By holding violators accountable at the state level, we make clear Tennessee will not tolerate those who break our laws.”
The bill includes a trigger mechanism contingent on future changes in federal law or a U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning Arizona v. United States, which would restore states’ authority to determine unlawful presence.
Additional safeguards ensure due process, including provisions to pause state prosecution while individuals pursue federal appeals or legal challenges related to their removal orders.
The new laws are part of a broader legislative package introduced earlier this year focused on strengthening enforcement, improving public safety and ensuring accountability in Tennessee’s immigration policies.
Source: The Portland Sun
