A resolution requesting the Vice Mayor to establish a task force to examine illegal immigration issues in Nashville and to make a recommendation to the Council regarding actions that should be taken on the federal, state and local level.

WHEREAS, the topic of illegal immigration is currently in the forefront of the news media and public discussion on a national as well as a local level; and

WHEREAS, due to a perceived inability of the federal government to adequately address the issues surrounding illegal immigration, several local governments have taken it upon themselves to provide solutions for the problem; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Davidson County Sheriff, and the District Attorney General have taken action under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act to identify and detain immigration offenders they encounter as part of their daily law enforcement activities; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council is considering several pieces of immigration legislation ranging from declaring English to be the official language of the Metropolitan Government, to punishing landlords that lease to illegal immigrants; and

WHEREAS, prior to acting upon such immigration legislation, it is fitting and proper that a group of citizens with expertise in the field of immigration and the effect it has on state and local governments be selected to make recommendations to the full Council regarding the necessary actions that should be taken.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting Vice Mayor Howard Gentry to establish a task force to examine the issues associated with illegal immigration in Nashville and Davidson County, and to prepare and present a comprehensive report to the Metropolitan Council not later than one hundred twenty (120) days from convening. Specifically, the task force should assess enforcement policies, educational opportunities, labor issues, housing issues, and the costs to the Metropolitan Government associated with illegal immigration.

Section 2. The members of the task force should be selected and appointed by the Vice Mayor, and should include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. Members from local immigrant rights groups.
2. Members representing organized labor.
3. Members representing the Chamber of Commerce and/or other business
organizations.
4. Members representing the housing and real estate industries.
5. A member of the Council Personnel - Public Information - Human Relations - Housing Committee.
6. A member of the Council Health, Hospitals and Social Services Committee.
7. A member of the Council Codes Committee.

Section 3. The Vice Mayor is further requested to appoint a chairman of the task force.

Section 4. The task force should meet at such times and places as it may determine and shall give notice of all meetings to the public with the assistance of the Metropolitan Clerk.

Section 5. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Vice Mayor Howard Gentry.

Section 6. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jamie Isabel