Critics Slam Tennessee Bill That Would Give Undocumented Immigrants Charged With a Crime 72 Hours to Leave State: 'Incredibly Inhumane'

Immigrant families and activists at Tennessee State Capitol (2018) (Credit: Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

A bill advancing in Tennessee seeks to make it a crime for any individual without legal immigration status to be present in the state, sparking significant opposition from immigrant rights groups.

The measure would impose jail time and require eviction from Tennessee for those found to be in the state unlawfully. Additionally, judges would be mandated to issue a 72-hour warning for individuals charged with the offense to leave the state. While the first violation would be classified as a misdemeanor, repeat offenses could escalate to a felony.