Critics Slam Tennessee Bill That Would Give Undocumented Immigrants Charged With a Crime 72 Hours to Leave State: 'Incredibly Inhumane'

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A bill advancing in Tennessee seeks to make it a crime for any individual without legal immigration status to be present in the state, sparking significant opposition from immigrant rights groups.

The measure would impose jail time and require eviction from Tennessee for those found to be in the state unlawfully. Additionally, judges would be mandated to issue a 72-hour warning for individuals charged with the offense to leave the state. While the first violation would be classified as a misdemeanor, repeat offenses could escalate to a felony.

Rep. Lee Reeves, the bill's sponsor, described it as a "measured, responsible step" toward protecting Tennessee communities and reducing illegal immigration, as reported by Tennessee Outlook. Reeves emphasized that the legislation would enforce the rule of law and deter unlawful entry into the state.

Advocates for immigrant rights have sharply criticized the bill, arguing it is harmful and unjust. Judith Clerjeune, the advocacy director for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, called it "incredibly inhumane" and claimed it would unjustly target individuals who have lived peacefully in the state for years, contributing to their communities.

"It takes people who have been living here peacefully and contributing to their communities, sometimes for decades, and puts a target on their back based on who they are, where they are from," Clerjeune said.

The bill is designed as a "trigger law," meaning it will only take effect if specific conditions are met. It would go into effect if the Supreme Court overturns its decision in *Arizona v. United States* (2012), which ruled that Arizona could not create state-specific immigration crimes.

Alternatively, the law could become active if a U.S. Constitutional amendment is passed granting states the authority to regulate immigration or if similar laws in other states survive for 60 days.

Tennessee lawmakers also introduced House Bill 811, co-sponsored by Republican state Sen. Brent Taylor and state Rep. Rusty Grills, on Wednesday as part of efforts to deter organizations from knowingly housing undocumented immigrants, Fox 17 reported.

The bill would allow victims of crimes committed by migrants to sue charities that provided them with housing, making organizations financially and legally accountable for any harm caused.