Opponents of a resolution they said sent the wrong message to refugees in Tennessee have planned to make their voices heard at the State Capitol.
Refugees, and members of Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) will attend the Senate Finance Committee meeting Tuesday at 8:30 AM to demonstrate their opposition to SJR0467.
The resolution, which was introduced by Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey, directs the Attorney General to sue the federal government in an effort to stop refugee resettlement in the state.
Stephanie Teatro, Co-Director of TIRRC “called it one of the most extreme pieces of anti-refugee legislation in the entire country.”
“The lawsuit is not only extreme, frivolous and costly, but it creates a climate of fear,” said Teatro.
Teatro said the group has seen an outpouring of support from people across the state who say they oppose the resolution. Tuesday, they plan to present petitions to committee members to prove the opposition.
“I think the message is we do care, and we welcome refugees,” said Focia Mohammed, a Nashville resident who opposes the resolution. “We should open our arms and welcome them.”
The resolution has been gaining momentum over the last few weeks. Currently two thirds of the Tennessee Senate have signed on. Supporters said the bill is about safety.
“The federal government has thus far refused to be a transparent partner in the refugee vetting process,” Ramsey said in a written statement to The Tennessean on Friday. “If we are not able to identify potential threats, we cannot adequately protect our citizenry.”
If the Senate Finance Committee passes the resolution, it will go to the Senate floor.
TIRRC’s rally is planned for Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 8:30 a.m. at Legislative Plaza, Committee Room 12.
