Three Immigration Bills Approved in Senate Committee

A state Senate committee approved three immigrations bills today. Senator Jack Johnson of Franklin sponsored all three.

One would make it easier for an employer to dictate that English be used in the workplace. The other two would make it a misdemeanor to manufacture a fake ID or use a fake ID to apply for a job.

Johnson says the bills give the state more power to enforce rules that the federal government is overlooking. He says he hadn’t found a federal rule that specifically outlaws using a fake ID to get a job.

“The bill deals specifically with fraudulent, government-issued documents. So it’s a fake drivers license, a fake passport, a fake social security card, a fake work visa, those types of documents, when used specifically for purposes of obtaining employment. So, unless you’re applying for a job using a fraudulently obtained government document, you’re not going to have a problem.”

Johnson’s bills will now go to the Senate floor.

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The bills are:

SB 2849 Johnson /HB 3096 Hill and Gresham. The “Protecting English in the Tennessee Workplace Act.” Leaves it to discretion of business owner.

SB 3488 Johnson/ HB 3719 Gresham. Creates Class B misdemeanor to provide or submit false ID for employment of illegal alien.

SB 3600 Johnson/ HB 3718 Gresham. Class B misdemeanor to manufacture fake ID for purpose of employment of illegal alien.