HAMBLEN COUNTY (WVLT) -- East Tennessee's immigrant population is growing and some say Hamblen County may be feeling it the most.

That’s why Morristown has become a meeting place for one organization trying to curb illegal immigration.

On Saturday, a crowd numbering well over 100 met at the town’s VFW post, proving that just as the population of illegal immigrants has grown, so too has their movement to do something about it.

"You know it's costing us an arm and a leg for hospitals, health care, schools,” said Bob McFarling, a Morristown resident. “We have to have special teachers."

"This is America and this county has more Mexican Flags flying in it than any place besides Mexico, I believe” said Teddy Ray Mitchell, another resident.

A couple of years ago, Tennessee Taxpayers for Immigration Reform and Education, or T-FIRE, got its start in Hamblen County.

Their stated goal is to point out that illegal immigration is choking the system and forcing you to pay higher taxes.

Congressman David Davis, who represents the county as well as the first congressional district in Washington D.C. said he agreed.

"The number one responsibility of government is to have secure and safe borders,” said Rep. Davis. “We've not done a good job at that, the congress has not done a good job, and the White House has not done a good job."

The republican, who also has a seat on the House Homeland Security Committee, also said he is ready to do something about the problem.

He plans to bring immigration and homeland security experts from the capitol to Hamblen County early next month to see the problem first hand, and make plans with local leaders.

A step he hopes is just the beginning.

"We need to build a fence,” Rep. Davis suggested. “We need infrastructure, technology, cameras, and sensors down along the border. We need a well trained workforce and enough border patrol agents to control the flow.”

Cracking down on those who employ illegal aliens is another goal for the group.

"People won't come across our southern border if we don't have jobs for them," said Wayne Dollar, who is in charge of public relations for T-FIRE.

Nothing that happened on Saturday will bring an immediate change in the county or beyond, but organizers say their movement is growing, with more citizens and elected leaders getting on board.

For more information, you can click on the link below for T-FIRE’s website.