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Illegal immigration may help state, hurt some cities, study finds NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A new report says Tennessee can do little to curb illegal immigration and its costs beyond urging the federal government to enforce its laws. The study from the state comptroller's office also concludes that illegal immigrants probably have an overall positive impact on the state's economy. But local economies in cities where illegal immigrants are heavily concentrated may see a negative impact. In those areas, the study said costs like education and health care can exceed revenue created by the foreign-born population. The study comes on the heels of numerous General Assembly efforts over the past two years to fight illegal immigration. Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris objected to the way the study downplayed the problems of illegal immigration. He drafted legislation that passed last session authorizing the Highway Patrol to receive training in federal immigration law. Illegal immigrants make up an estimated 2% of the state's 6 million residents and comprise about 30% of the foreign-born population nationwide. |
