Tennessee Senate Bill SB2037

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8 and Title 39, relative to the "One America Act."

Summary

SB2037, titled the “One America Act,” would create a new state process for people who have resided in Tennessee for more than 30 days and are not lawfully present in the United States. Under the bill, such individuals would be required to register with the Tennessee Department of Safety and submit to an interview. The department would then determine, within 30 days, whether the person is eligible for a one-year visa for re-entry into the United States and Tennessee. If a person is found eligible, the bill requires that person to leave the United States within 90 days, remain outside the country for at least 30 days, and then use the one-year visa to re-enter lawfully. After completing the one-year period without committing a criminal offense, the person could apply for a permanent resident card under federal immigration law. If the department finds a person ineligible, that person must leave the United States within 30 days of receiving notice.

Impact

The bill would add a new section to Tennessee Code Annotated Title 4 and direct the Department of Safety to administer a state-level registration, interview, and eligibility process for certain noncitizens who are unlawfully present. It would also reference federal immigration law, including the Immigration and Nationality Act, and condition implementation on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services establishing rules and regulations for the act. In practical terms, the bill would attempt to create a Tennessee-specific pathway tied to immigration status, re-entry, and possible permanent residency, affecting undocumented residents and the state agency responsible for enforcement and notification.

Sentiment

Based on the text alone and the absence of committee transcripts or recorded votes, the bill appears to be framed as a restrictive immigration measure with a structured legalization pathway for some individuals. The title and provisions suggest a strong policy stance on immigration enforcement and state involvement in immigration-related processing. Because no discussion or vote history is provided, there is no documented committee sentiment to assess beyond the bill’s formal approach.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the bill’s attempt to place a state agency in a role closely connected to immigration status and re-entry decisions, an area typically governed by federal law. Supporters may view it as a controlled, orderly process for addressing unlawful presence and encouraging compliance, while opponents may argue it is legally questionable, burdensome, or inconsistent with federal immigration authority. The requirement that affected persons register, interview, depart the country, and potentially face removal deadlines would also likely be controversial among immigrant advocates and civil liberties groups.