TN House Supports AZ's Immigration Law

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Tennessee is jumping into the national controversy over immigration law. The Tennessee House sent a quiet, but strong message by passing a resolution in support of Arizona's new immigration law.

It passed with a 67 to 27 vote. Now, the resolution is seeking support in the Senate.

Arizona's new immigration law is lighting-up controversy not only in Arizona, but all over the country. Sparking debate and action is the intention behind Tennessee House Resolution 1253. Bartlett Representative Jim Coley voted in favor of the resolution.

"I think it was an attempt to engage the national government in a serious resolution of the problem of illegal immigration. I think it was Tennessee's attempt to support our colleagues and fellow representatives in the state of Arizona," Representative Coley said.

Arizona's law requires authorities to question people about their immigration status if there's reason to suspect they're here illegally.

Mauricio Calvo is the Director of Latino Memphis. While Tennessee's resolution is simply a message now, Calvo worries the state could mirror Arizona in other ways if it continues down this path.

"Many people have canceled conventions. It's having a multi-million dollar impact. And yet, the immigration issue has not been solved," Calvo said.

Calvo is concerned a similar law here would be to take a step back.

"The main thing is that it creates racial profiling," Calvo said.

Whether or not it's the right step, the resolution is moving and possibly growing into something bigger.

"It's possible to have some kind of bill like this," Representative Coley said.