TN, We Did It! English-Only Driving Exam Bill DEFEATED

After months of appeals from concerned Tennesseans, from community action alerts to letters from the Mayor of Nashville and the TN Chambers of Commerce, the English-Only Driving Exam Bill (HB262/SB63) was defeated today in the House Budget Subcommittee. Technically, the legislation was deferred until December - but for all practical purposes, the move signals a defeat for the effort to eliminate translations of the written driving exam for immigrants who aren't rich investors or business executives.

The ability to drive is essential for everyone. For new immigrants, it enables them to get to work, feed their families, and even drive to English classes. Last week, the ability to drive saved people's lives, allowing families to get in their cars and escape the rising flood waters. 

"Today's defeat of HB262/SB63 is a major victory for all Tennesseans concerned with our reputation as a welcoming state -- and, a clear example of what we can achieve when diverse leaders come together for the common good," said Elias Feghali, Communications Coordinator with the TN Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. "Of course, there are still several weeks left in the session, which leaves a lot of time for other dangerous bills and amendments. But the hope is that legislators are beginning to understand the contributions of TN's newest Americans."

"What I'm hearing from community members, faith and business leaders throughout the state, is a genuine desire to finally reach a point where we can move beyond the ugly politics of English-Only, to a brighter tomorrow where we focus our energy on efforts to help immigrants integrate into society," said Feghali.