by Marcus Washington
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - State senators are calling them the "common sense" solutions to illegal immigration as they push to fight what they say the federal government will not.
Republican lawmakers said illegal immigrants are costing taxpayers $496,000,000 and they have the solutions in an attempt to eliminate the problem.
"We're here to announce today an initiative for a Tennessee solution to a Tennessee problem," said Republican State Representative Joe Carr of Lascassas.
Inside the Tennessee State Capitol, bills are always trying to find their way into law. On Wednesday, Rep. Carr unveiled what he calls a comprehensive plan with the help of three republican state senators.
"Common sense responsible solutions," said State Senator Jack Johnson from Franklin.
State Senator Bill Ketron, of Murfreesboro, is introducing a bill that would give all law enforcement officers the go to question the immigration status of anyone lawfully stopped in a vehicle. Anyone without legal documents would be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee executive director Hedy Weinberg said the group would pursue litigation if the bill passes unchanged.
"One would have to ask the rhetorical question: what would that be? Would that be the color of their skin? The accent of the individual when they question him or her or the language skills that person has?" Weinberg said.
Senator Jack Johnson is introducing a bill that would deny anyone help from state or local social services, like WIC, without proper documentation.
"These potential recipients of benefits can receive their benefits for a period of time until such verification can take place. I want to be very clear that no one will be denied benefits while the verification process is taking place," said Sen. Johnson.
State Senator Jim Tracy is introducing a bill that would require businesses to administer proper background checks using a system that gives results within seconds.
He said currently 4,000 state businesses are using this with a 97 percent accuracy rate, but communication coordinator with the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Right Coalition, David Morales, disagrees.
"They do not create jobs. They do not get rid of the fundamental problem which is we need a comprehensive immigration reform," said Morales.
These bills are just introductions and not everyone is expected to support them.
"I think people will see Tennessee as that shining state on the hill and want to move here because we are doing the right things about being an American," said Sen. Ketron.
Each bill will have to go through a committee.
If it passes, it will then head to the full senate floor for a vote.
Email: mwashington@newschannel5.com
