TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jan 4, 2023

Immigration rights groups in Tennessee say that the demand for immigration legal services far exceeds supply and the need has grown more acute as immigrant communities have expanded. The issue affects the ability for newcomers to avoid deportation, obtain drivers’ licenses and work permits, and access benefits they are eligible for, the groups tell Tennessee Lookout. According to a report from The Center for Migration Studies, there are 2,200 undocumented immigrants in Tennessee for every immigration legal professional. Leaders reportedly are beginning to look at programs that provide publicly funded legal support for immigrants. More than 55 jurisdictions and nine states offer some kind of public support according to Vera Institute.