Thread: Tennessee committee advances bill seeking to halt refugee resettlement

Tennessee committee advances bill seeking to halt refugee resettlement

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by Adrian Mojica

Tuesday, February 11th 2020

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Tennessee committee advances bill seeking to halt refugee resettlement. Photo: International Rescue Committee / Facebook via MGN Online

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--The Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) is calling a Tennessee House of Representatives bill recommended for passage "hateful."



HJR 741 targets state funds used to resettle refugees as part of a federal program which allows states to opt-in to accept refugee resettlement. Under the bill originally filed by Rep. Teri Lynn Weaver (R-Lancaster), HJR 741 calls for no action to be taken by Governor Bill Lee when it comes to resettlement unless authorized by a joint resolution of the General Assembly.



ALSO SEE: Tennessee Governor Bill Lee says state will continue accepting refugees


The bill targets Governor Lee due to his decision to continue to accept refugees in the state in response to an Executive Order issued by President Donald J. Trump last year. President Trump had issued the "Enhancing State and Local Involvement in Refugee Resettlement" order in September. Under the Executive Order, the Federal Government would only be able to resettle refugees in specific areas where state and local governments agree to accept refugees.
However, the decision is ultimately in the hands of each state's governor and Lee made the decision to continue participation. Rep. Weaver's resolution says Governor Lee's decision obligates public money "in violation of the Tennessee General Assembly's constitutional duty." The resolution was recommended for passage on Tuesday by the Departments & Agencies Subcommittee.


TIRRC is calling the advancement part of a "classic hateful playbook." TIRRC Votes Police and Legislative Affairs Manager Judith Clerjeune issued the following statement in response to the resolution:

"Just in time for another election, a handful of legislators are returning to their classic hateful playbook - scapegoating refugees. Facing a primary challenge, Representative Weaver is trying to appeal to the most hateful voters in her district, hoping she can win her re-election bid by targeting some of the world’s most vulnerable people. But, her constituents deserve a representative who will work to meaningfully improve their lives, not just recycle a failed resolution from five years ago.

Despite legislators attempts to cast these bills and resolutions as simply a matter of clarifying constitutional responsibilities, the real intent and impact of these efforts are crystal clear: keeping refugees from finding safety and opportunity in Tennessee.

We urge members of the House of Representatives to reject these election year politics. Tennesseans, including refugees, want to see their legislators come together to improve our communities by investing in better jobs, schools, and neighborhoods for all of us - not use hateful tactics to divide our communities."


ALSO READ: Tennessee Go

https://wcyb.com/news/local/tennesse...e-resettlement

Read proposed legislation:

http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/111/Bill/HJR0741.pdf

HALT all refugees coming into the United States of America.

We have no housing, we have no budget, schools are overcrowded. It is expensive to live here. Healthcare is expensive. They are a public charge.

Put them in Safe Zone on their soil and let the U.N. foot the bill for them.

ALL countries should chip in to pay for them, not just the US taxpayers. Take their oil to pay for them.

Send them home!