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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Approximately 5,300 residents in Tennessee State House District 49, encompassing parts of Murfreesboro and Smyrna, completed a legislative survey conducted by State Representative Mike Sparks (R- District 49), and half of all respondents listed illegal immigration as, “a top issue the state should address.”
Additionally, 86% felt that Tennessee should do more to combat the problem even if it wasn’t their number one concern. According to the US House Budget Committee, illegal immigration was estimated to cost American taxpayers over $150 billion in 2023.
Sparks commented on the survey results, “The federal government’s failure to properly secure our southern border is having disastrous consequences in cities and states across our nation. I was proud to support multiple new laws this year to combat this problem in Tennessee, and I am committed to looking for additional ways to protect our communities from the problems illegal immigration can cause.”
The new laws to which Sparks referred included legislation that requires law enforcement to notify ICE whenever they encounter an illegal alien, a law intended to increase punishment for illegals convicted of violent crimes, and changes in language designed to theoretically ensure only citizens vote.
There have been some questions raised regarding the enforceability and efficacy of these laws as many constituents across the state wish to see stricter and more practical protections emerge from this year’s legislative session.
The concern over illegal immigration in District 49 corroborates numerous reports indicating the matter remains one of the top voter issues across Tennessee. Other top issues listed by constituents included “education, crime, health care, taxes, inflation/the economy and infrastructure.”
District 49 residents have the choice to reelect Mike Sparks or Democrat challenger Luis Mata in the November 5th election.
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.
