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Welcome to FindLaw's coverage of existing Tennessee legislation and rules related to individuals' immigration status. Below you will find information on what, if any, rules Tennessee has regarding immigration checks by law enforcement, educational institutions, and employers, as well as the existence of E-Verify requirements, restrictions on public benefits based on an individual's immigration status, and more.

Officials at city and county jails in Tennessee are required to report anyone who may be in violation of federal immigration laws to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities.

Enforcement agencies are required to contact federal immigration officials if they can't verify legal status of arrestees within three days.

As part of the 287(g) ICE ACCESS Program, officials with the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Davidson County Sheriff's Office cooperate with federal authorities in enforcing immigration law.

Under a federal program called "Secure Communities," all arrestees are fingerprinted and run through a federal database which checks their criminal record and immigration status.

State officials may deny, suspend or revoke the business license of employers who knowingly hire undocumented immigrants.

Also, refer to federal employment eligibility verification rules and the requirements for Form I-9.

All employers in the state are required to verify employment eligibility using E-Verify. Employers also are required to maintain records of all E-Verify results.

Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residence is required for obtaining a driver's license or state ID.

Under federal law, illegal immigrants are prohibited from receiving most public benefits. However, they are allowed to receive emergency services, health care and other programs that have been deemed "necessary to protect life and safety."

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Valid and current photo identification required to vote. Examples include a Tennessee driver's license, a valid photo ID issued by any state, a U.S. passport or valid U.S. military ID with photo.