Legislation advances Immigration 2026 agenda to protect lawful residents, put Tennessee first
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The General Assembly recently passed legislation by Assistant House Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, to ensure illegal immigrants cannot receive professional licenses in the Volunteer State, a key part of Tennessee Republicans’ Immigration 2026 agenda developed in conjunction with House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and President Donald J. Trump’s administration.
House Bill 1709 requires applicants for professional licenses or certificates to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residence. The proposal would also ensure reciprocal licenses from other states meet the same criteria before being accepted in Tennessee.
“This is a critical step in Tennessee Republicans’ continued efforts to put lawful residents first,” said Cochran. “Illegal immigrants should never have the opportunity to obtain professional licensing in the Volunteer State. I’m grateful to my colleagues for standing with me to protect the integrity of our state’s credentialing process by strengthening transparency and enforcing clear, reliable identification requirements.”
The state of Tennessee grants professional licenses and certifications to ensure applicants have the qualifications to practice their occupation. Examples of roles that require state certification include physicians, dentists, teachers, attorneys, court reporters, aeronautics instructors, private investigators, realtors, and more.
People seeking to practice as a physician could be eligible for a license if they offer proof of an application for a valid visa that would allow them to work in the U.S.
Requiring proof of citizenship or lawful residence in the nation will promote fairness for workers, protect public trust and preserve confidence in the state credentialing process.
House Bill 1709 is part of a major immigration reform package announced by Tennessee Republicans earlier this year. The Immigration 2026 legislative package aims to close enforcement gaps, protect Tennessee taxpayers and require active enforcement of immigration laws across the state.
House Bill 1709 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law, and will apply to all subsequent licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations or registrations applied for or renewed.
The 114th General Assembly adjourned sine die on April 23.
State Rep. Mark Cochran represents District 23 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes McMinn and part of Monroe counties.