This election season has been incredible. Immigrant and refugee voters and their progressive allies have cast their ballots early in RECORD numbers with a shared goal: bringing our country together according to the will of the people.

This month the Tennessee state legislature adjourned for the third time this year. And instead of working to make sure our families have the support we need to overcome the pandemic, they passed a slew of harmful bills that do nothing to strengthen our communities.

In the middle of a deadly pandemic, the state legislature has made its priority clear— and it's NOT protecting hard-working Tennesseans from COVID-19.

Thousands of immigrants in Tennessee like me are working on the front lines of the pandemic, keeping communities healthy, safe, and fed, but so far many have been left out of Congress’s efforts to provide care and economic relief.

While many Tennesseans, including refugees, are worried they won't be able to put food on their tables, stay healthy while going to work, or be safe from police violence, state legislators are using this moment to push through laws that would pave the way for Tennessee to be the first state to shut our doors to refugees instead of working to find real solutions for our families and communities.

While lawmakers discuss giving immunity to businesses who sacrifice their workers’ health for profits, workers demand policies that create enforceable workplace protections.

Amid global pandemic and civil unrest, lawmakers attempt to bar refugees from finding safety and opportunity in the state.

NASHVILLE - Today, the State Government Committee of the Tennessee General Assembly House of Representatives advanced HJR0741 (Weaver), a resolution to condemn Governor Lee's decision to continue refugee resettlement and to challenge his authority to do so.