Tennessee Attorney General Issues Opinion that Proposed State Immigration Law is Pre-empted by Federal Law

As readers well know, the action on immigration is hot and heavy at the local level while Congress continues to discuss immigration reform.  The latest is from Tennessee.  Pending legislation to forbid the hiring of illegal immigrants in Tennessee is invalid and cannot be enforced because it runs afoul of federal law, according to a new opinion from state Attorney General Bob Cooper (click here for a story on the new development). The opinion, issued Friday, deals specifically with SB202, scheduled for a Senate floor vote Monday.  The bill would impose a $10,000 fine on employers who hire illegal immigrants in Tennessee.

The Attorney General’s opinion is here.

KJ