Legislation is moving through the Tennessee senate right now that would heavily penalize businesses for hiring illegal immigrants. Bill SB0202, sponsored by State Sen. Bill Ketron (R), would impose a $10,000 fine on employers who are found to hire illegal immigrants.

However, in Attorney General Bob Cooper’s opinion, the legislation will be unenforceable. Cooper’s opinion cites a federal law that explicitly states that federal immigration law “pre-empts any state or local law imposing civil or criminal sanctions” on those who recruit or hire illegal immigrants.

It looks like the law has it that illegal immigrants are a national problem, addressable only by national laws… even though the effects of illegal immigration are felt locally. Something about it doesn’t seem equal…

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