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Article by Olivia Lupia, Tennessee Conservative News –
Under a law passed by the Tennessee legislature earlier this year aiming to crack down on illegal immigration in the state, all new vehicle registrations will require proof of citizenship beginning January of 2027.
HB1708/SB1889 states that applicants seeking initial registrations for certain motor vehicles will be required to provide documentation proving they are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or have temporary lawful resident status.
Hamilton County Clerk Brooke Weaver further clarified that the citizenship documentation is only required “when you register your vehicle for the first time. Proof of citizenship is not required when you renew.”
Weaver is also planning an outreach campaign beginning this month through the end of the year to help inform the public about the changes under the new law.
Another component of the new law will revamp the requirements to obtain a Tennessee driver’s license beginning in the new year, mandating that applicants who fail to meet “sufficient” English standards and take the test in an alternative language be issued a three-year unrestricted non-renewable license.
Upon its expiration, the driver will have to retake the renewal written exam in English without any assistance before being issued a license on the standard renewal schedule.
While the legislation is a small step forward in keeping illegal aliens off Tennessee roads, it should be noted that the version of HB1708 that ultimately passed the General Assembly and was signed by Gov. Lee was severely watered-down from its original form.
Initially proposing to give applicants a one-year restricted license if they could not pass the test in English on the first attempt, Senate sponsor Brent Taylor explained during the legislative session that the amended version of the bill was the result of negotiations with several entities concerned about the ability of foreign workers to obtain their driver’s licenses as the state continues to court investments from non-American companies.
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About the Author: 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.
2 Responses
Awesome! There was a group of four illegal alien Haitian males in Meigs County who had no licenses to drive, but were constantly seen in different used vehicles (new to them). They were military aged men who were arrogant and sniped they got here via BIDEN (and leftist organizations here in TN helped them “settle”). Meigs Co. law enforcement was notified and they have not been seen in several months. The TN DMV advised anyone could register a vehicle, even without a diver’s license, when inquiry was made over year ago. Their driving skills as observed left much to be desired.
Courting investments from non-American companies is NOT what Tennesseans want or need.