A proposed bill aiming to change drivers licenses has sparked outrage from immigrant rights advocates.
In an attempt to crack down on the number of non U.S. citizens voting in Tennessee, driver licenses would be modified.
According to Secretary of State Tre Hargett's office, only one non U.S. citizen voted last year.
Still though, State Senator Mae Beavers is moving forward with the controversial bill.
The bill would place the words "Non US citizen" or "VISA" across the top of a person's Tennessee driver's license.
"If you had it clearly on the driver’s license that most people use to vote that they were here on a VISA it would be easy for anyone. Whether they’re stopped by authorities or trying to vote," State Senator Mae Beavers said during a committee meeting on Monday.
The initial language in the bill wanted the word "Alien" printed across the top, but Sen Beavers conceded this afternoon that she got a great deal of push back for that language.
The reason for proposing the bill she said was to keep non U.S. citizens from voting in Tennessee. Immigrant rights advocates though said it would do something else.
"It's essentially a scarlet letter on immigrants and it's trying to send a dangerous message that they're to be feared and be a threat, it does nothing for security," said Lisa Sherman-Nikolaus.
Officials explained that in order to register to vote in Tennessee someone has to provide proof they are a U.S. citizen, not just a license.
The bill passed through committee Monday morning. The only person who voted against it was Democrat Jeff Yarboro.
