Advocates Say Tennessee May Share Data on Disabled Immigrant Children With ICE
A new Tennessee policy is drawing sharp criticism after advocates warned that information about disabled immigrant children could end up in the hands of federal immigration authorities.
The controversy involves the state's Children’s Special Services program, which helps children with serious medical conditions such as cancer, cerebral palsy, and other life-altering disabilities. Families seeking assistance may now face immigration-status checks, according to advocates.
For many parents, the fear goes beyond paperwork.
Health officials and advocacy groups worry that families could avoid seeking medical care altogether if they believe personal information might be shared with ICE. In Middle Tennessee alone, roughly 100 undocumented children could be affected by the changes.
Dr. Morgan McDonald of Nashville’s Metro Board of Health called the policy “a huge threat” to medically fragile children and their families, warning it could create barriers to essential healthcare.
Advocates say unanswered questions remain about how data will be used and whether families could face immigration consequences. As pressure mounts, legal and community groups are demanding greater transparency from state officials before the policy moves forward.
