Tennessee GOP bill would require immigration checks for local government aid

By: Anita Wadhwani

Outlets: Tennessee Lookout

Published: February 9, 2026

Words: 683

Last Updated: 3 weeks ago

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As the Trump administration moves to limit immigrant access to federal public benefits, two Tennessee Republicans are introducing sweeping legislation requiring citizenship and legal immigration verification of any applicant for public aid at state and local agencies.

The bill (HB1710/SB1915) by Rep. Dennis Powers of Jacksboro and Sen. Ed Jackson of Jackson mandates that state and local departments report all those who apply for public benefits without proof of citizenship or legal immigration status …

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