“Feb 2, 2022 · In Tennessee, a squatter must possess the property continuously for a period of 20 years before they can make an adverse possession claim (Tenn. Code. Ann. §§ 28-2-101, et seq).”
A lot of squatters aren’t claiming ownership. They’re claiming they are tenants and have an agreement with the owner to live on the property.
The fact they have no written agreement doesn’t matter in many states. As soon as they claim to be tenants, they have the rights of tenants, and it becomes a civil matter. The cops back off, and it can take months to get them out.