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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
With the incoming Trump administration’s focus on border safety and national security, remedying the illegal immigration crisis has become a central talking point amongst many states in anticipation of planned mass deportations.
But Tennessee Republican leadership seems to be behind the curve as its citizens continue to press for more impactful and effective legislation combating illegal alien crime and receipt of state benefits.
In a recent poll, The Tennessee Conservative asked, “Which Illegal Alien magnets should Tennessee lawmakers eliminate this legislative session? Tell us in the comments if you think they will do it or keep passing the buck…”
Response options were: Taxpayer Funded Education, Welfare Benefits, Tennessee Jobs, or All of the Above.
Overwhelmingly, respondents selected All of the Above with commenters offering additional feedback like, “All the above. And who’s to blame if they don’t? We just had an election cycle so bad actors could be replaced like Jon Lundberg,” and, “All the Above, someone here illegally should not be funded by taxpayer money.” Another reiterated, “They are ILLEGAL. They BROKE THE LAW. Arrest and deport.”
Illegal aliens continue to wreak havoc across the state of Tennessee, committing every crime from misdemeanors to destruction of property to violent or fatal assaults, yet Tennessee lawmakers would have constituents believe that they have done everything in their power to combat migrant activity at the state level.
Many RINOs have maintained that recent laws, which have virtually no enforceability or consequences, are sufficient to address the issue and that constituents should be satisfied with their efforts.
They have touted the success of bills allowing Governor Lee to send National Guard troops to the Texas border and “strengthening” sanctuary city bans while failing to address the seemingly increasing rate of crime and arrest of illegals in Tennessee.
For a complete timeline detailing the rise of the illegal immigration in Tennessee and the catastrophic failure of the legislature in protecting its citizenry, click here.
A few truly conservative lawmakers have asserted their intentions to make combating illegal immigration a top priority this session and have already prepared pointed legislation or expressed support for such bills.
Rep. Gino Bulso’s (R-Dist. 61- Brentwood) TRUMP Act will propose a multi-pronged approach to cutting off benefits for unlawful migrants, while Reps. Todd Warner and Scott Cepicky and have also filed bills addressing other effects of illegals in the state. Warner’s will require illegal aliens in custody to be transported to sanctuary cities outside the state while Cepicky’s would have the state redesign licenses and IDs so they will be distinguishable between citizens and non-citizens.
Perhaps this year’s endeavors will be more successful than the past efforts of some other conservative champions as illegal immigration continues to be one of the top issues amongst Tennessee voters.
And with an incoming Trump administration spurred by the mandate Republican voters issued in the November election, perhaps Tennessee leaders will finally receive the message from citizens demanding a safe and secure state and nation.
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
