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Nashville, Tennessee Mayor Karl Dean is strongly opposing an immigration bill that is being discussed by state lawmakers for the next legislation session, reports WSMV, an NBC affiliate.

At a recent meeting, Dean urged politicians to not pass immigration legislation that would be similar to Arizona's controversial law due to the fact that it could hurt Nashville's economy, according to the news provider.

"I'm asking them, as the mayor of Nashville, not to do anything that will put our city and our state at a competitive disadvantage," said Dean. "Being a diverse city, a city that is perceived as a friendly, welcoming place, is key to business recruitment."

According to the news source, lawmakers are planning to file a number of bills pertaining to immigration legislation next year, including one that is a version of the Arizona law, which makes illegal immigration a state crime.

The news provider added that Arizona has reportedly lost more than $140 million in convention and tourism business because of the new law.

“We need to be serious right now about jobs and prosperity and education. And we can't do that if we tie our hands by creating a global reputation as an unwelcoming and unfriendly state," Dean said.

Regardless of whether or not Nashville passes the law, foreigners looking to obtain U.S. green card eligibility can do so though the EB-5 visa program by making an investment of $1 million (or $500,000 in some areas) in an American project or company that either creates or maintains at least 10 full-time jobs.