Bill creating state immigration crime advances

(The Center Square) – People illegally in the country with a deportation order could face charges if in Tennessee, according to a bill moving in the House of Representatives.

House Bill 1704 creates a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, for anyone who has a deportation order. Anyone previously deported or denied entry to the U.S. could also be charged.

The proposal, sponsored by House Majority Leader Williams Lamberth, of Portland, will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. The Senate version of the bill, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson of Franklin, is in that chamber’s Judiciary Committee, but no hearing has been set.

“House Majority Leader Willam Lamberth’s bill to criminalize illegal immigrants who ignore deportation orders and refuse to leave our state sends a clear message from Tennessee: if you are in our state illegally, it’s time to pack your bags,” said U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., in a social media post. “Illegal means illegal.”

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