1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose the anti-immigration bills currently under consideration in this legislative session. These proposals would criminalize immigrant communities and expand collaboration with federal immigration enforcement, but they will not make Tennessee safer. As a constituent, I am deeply concerned about legislation that increases fear and instability in our communities. Tennessee's legislative session has introduced numerous bills that mirror harmful federal approaches, targeting immigrant families through increased criminalization and enforcement collaboration. These policies do not address public safety. Instead, they discourage families from accessing schools, healthcare, and essential services that benefit everyone. La Paz Chattanooga, an organization providing direct services to families in our state, has documented how enforcement-focused approaches create fear that prevents people from seeking help when they need it. When families are afraid to report crimes, access medical care, or send their children to school, entire communities suffer. This includes U.S. citizens and long-term residents whose neighbors, coworkers, and fellow community members are targeted by these policies. Strong communities depend on trust, access to services, and policies rooted in dignity and fairness. When we violate the rights of one group, we weaken protections for everyone regardless of immigration status. Policies that separate families and destabilize households do not create the safe, thriving communities Tennesseans deserve. Public safety comes from stability and investment in people, not from fear and punishment. I ask you to oppose any legislation that criminalizes immigrant communities or increases collaboration with federal immigration enforcement. Instead, please support policies that strengthen families, build trust between residents and institutions, and ensure that all Tennesseans can access the resources they need to contribute to our shared prosperity. Tennessee should lead with approaches that reflect our values of community, dignity, and fairness for all residents.