HB 145 / SB 268

The Tennessee Reduction of Unlawful Migrant Placement Act (TRUMP Act) strengthens state protections against illegal immigration by more strictly defining residency and ensuring that public resources are allocated only to those lawfully present in Tennessee. This legislation takes an important step toward challenging the 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which forced states to provide taxpayer-funded K-12 education to illegal immigrants.

The bill establishes a clear legal definition of state residency, limiting it to U.S. citizens and lawfully present aliens who can verify their status with two forms of government-issued identification. This ensures that only legal residents receive the benefits and protections of state residency in Tennessee. Additionally, the bill requires families of illegal immigrants to reimburse the state for K-12 education costs, preventing taxpayers from bearing the financial burden of schooling children who are unlawfully in the state.

Beyond education, the bill also addresses financial transactions, prohibiting financial institutions in Tennessee from processing international wire transfers unless the sender verifies their lawful immigration status. This provision helps reduce the outflow of money earned unlawfully and ensures financial accountability.

By implementing these measures, Tennessee is taking decisive action to protect state resources, uphold the rule of law, and challenge unconstitutional mandates that force states to accommodate illegal immigration. This legislation reinforces Tennessee’s commitment to sovereignty, legal immigration, and fiscal responsibility.