GO TENNESSEE!!!!!!


Tennessee Republicans Vow To Fight Illegal Immigration
Posted: Nov 09, 2010 3:30 PM PST
2:46
by Scott Arnold

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Republicans have vowed to crack down on the problem of illegal immigration like never before.

After last week's election in Tennessee, state Republicans pretty much have the votes to pass what they want. Fighting the issue of illegal immigration is high on their agenda.
With solid control of state government, Republicans are promising they will pass a number of immigration bills that Democrats once defeated.


Republicans said it's a possibility that illegal immigrants voted in last Tuesday's election and that's the basis of a bill being filed at the State Capitol this week.

"When you go to vote you provide a photo ID of yourself to prove you are who you say you are," says State Rep. Debra Maggart from Hendersonville.

Another Republican backed measure will require proof of citizenship, like a driver's license or birth certificate, when you register.

Democrats have stalled these anti-illegal immigrant ideas in the past. With Republicans now in power in the Senate and House, there could be more.

Yuri Cunza, with the Nashville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said this is all a waste of time and money.

He said keeping illegal immigrants away from the polls is ridiculous, because they're not even there.

"That is not what they are here for. They are here primarily because of the work opportunities which are no longer available anyway," said Cunza.

Republicans have prevailed in the past on similar issues, making Tennessee work environments "English Only."

In January, it's expected they'll crack down on companies that hire illegal immigrants. Although past legislative efforts haven't been successful, some wonder why state lawmakers would get involved with a federal issue.

Tennessee is part of a coalition of states that has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold an Arizona law penalizing employers of illegal immigrants.

The court will hear arguments in December about the law that allows business licenses to be suspended or revoked when employers hire illegal immigrants.

Republicans may try to pass a similar law in Tennessee as well when they head back into session in January.

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=13474049