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Tennessee Bill Targets Undocumented Immigrant Benefits, Imposes Penalties

2/5/2026

27 2 Full Breakdown

Center

Powers Proposes Immigration Bill

Tennessee's House Bill 1710, filed by Rep. Dennis Powers (R-Tenn.), would tighten public benefit eligibility verification for undocumented immigrants.
The bill would require local governments to report ineligible applicants to immigration authorities.
It would allow the state to withhold sales tax revenues from non-compliant municipalities.
It would impose penalties on government employees who fail to comply.
A hearing is expected soon.

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Miller Influences Immigration Legislation

Stephen Miller, adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, influences Tennessee lawmakers as House Speaker Cameron Sexton proposes laws to criminalize undocumented individuals with deportation orders and require reporting to ICE.
Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, say the measures threaten constitutional rights and impose economic costs by verifying lawful status for benefits.
Activists are organizing to oppose the tighter measures.

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Powers Proposes Immigration Bill

Tennessee's House Bill 1710, filed by Rep. Dennis Powers (R-Tenn.), would tighten public benefit eligibility verification for undocumented immigrants.
The bill would require local governments to report ineligible applicants to immigration authorities.
It would allow the state to withhold sales tax revenues from non-compliant municipalities.
It would impose penalties on government employees who fail to comply.
A hearing is expected soon.

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