Tennessee Passes New Law Making It a Felony to Rent Housing to Illegal Immigrants
Starting July 1, 2025, a new law is now in effect in Tennessee that makes it a felony to knowingly rent housing to someone who is in the country illegally. This law, called Senate Bill 392, was signed into law by Governor Bill Lee in May. It’s one of the toughest moves by any U.S. state in recent years on immigration enforcement.
The goal of the new law is to stop people from helping illegal immigrants stay in the state by giving them a place to live. Tennessee lawmakers say this is about protecting their communities and sending a strong message that the state won’t support those who break immigration laws. Supporters believe that cutting off housing options will make it harder for undocumented migrants to settle in Tennessee.
Under the law, landlords who are caught renting to illegal immigrants on purpose could now face felony charges, which may include jail time and heavy fines. Critics have already raised concerns, saying it could lead to fear among renters and discrimination. But state leaders argue that the law targets those who knowingly assist in what they see as lawbreaking—not those renting without full knowledge of a tenant’s status.
The law is part of a wider push by conservative-led states to enforce immigration rules at the state level, especially as many feel the federal government isn’t doing enough to secure the border. Texas and Florida have also passed strict immigration-related laws in recent years, and now Tennessee is following their lead.
Supporters say this is not about being cruel—it’s about keeping order and ensuring that immigration laws actually mean something. They believe that if someone enters the country illegally, they should not be rewarded with housing, jobs, or other benefits. Opponents worry that it could lead to wrongful arrests or scare landlords into over-policing who they rent to.
Right now, it’s too early to tell how the law will be enforced across the state, but it clearly marks a shift toward state-based immigration control, and Tennessee is now one of the most aggressive states on this front.
Here is the official summary of SB 392 from the Tennessee General Assembly:
Tennessee General Assembly Legislation
The Brutal Truth July 2025
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