Judge Blocks Tennessee Driver's License Restrictions for Immigrants

A Nashville judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security from enforcing a policy that denies driver's licenses to non-citizens with federal work permits. The policy, based on a 2025 omnibus immigration law, restricted acceptable documentation to valid visas, I-94s, I-94Ws, or temporary green cards, effectively excluding DACA recipients and asylum seekers.

The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, the National Immigration Law Center, and the law firm Bass, Berry & Sims filed the lawsuit challenging the restrictions. The coalition argued that the state bypassed required public comment and a 90-day implementation period, treating legal work permit holders as if they lacked authorized stay. Advocates noted that individuals who had held licenses for decades were suddenly being denied renewals.

Governor Bill Lee stated he is reviewing potential unintended consequences of the legislation. Chancellor Russell Perkins ordered the state to resume accepting work permits while the legal challenge proceeds. The next hearing is scheduled for November 16.