Immigration 2026

Civil rights groups, including the ACLU and National Immigration Law Center, have renewed their legal challenge against a Tennessee law that criminalizes illegal immigration by making it a misdemeanor for noncitizens to remain in the state over 90 days after a deportation order. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of two long-term Tennessee residents, seeks to block the law and claims it violates the Supremacy Clause by encroaching on federal immigration authority.

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Tennessee's law making illegal immigration a state crime, ruling plaintiffs lacked standing. The law, part of the 'Immigration 2026' agenda, was crafted with collaboration from House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Stephen Miller.

Five Tennessee laws from 2026 face legal challenges, including a $10 fee and 2% tax on international money transfers. The Financial Technology Association and ACLU have filed lawsuits arguing the laws violate constitutional provisions, while Tennessee lawmakers aim to expand state control over airport boards and restrict pharmacy benefit managers.

The ACLU and National Immigration Law Center filed a federal lawsuit challenging a new Tennessee law that criminalizes illegal immigration, arguing it violates the Supremacy Clause by usurping federal immigration enforcement powers. The law, part of Tennessee's GOP 'Immigration 2026' agenda, would make it a state crime for noncitizens to enter or remain in the state after a federal deportation order.

Conservative states including Tennessee, Indiana, Utah, Wyoming, and Louisiana are enacting laws requiring social service providers to verify and report immigration status, with penalties for non-compliance. These laws aim to deter illegal immigration by limiting access to public benefits, aligning with federal restrictions on undocumented immigrants receiving such aid.