Calls for Governor’s Intervention as Immigration Policy Threatens Children’s Health Care
On Tuesday, advocates urged Governor Bill Lee to take immediate action as a critical deadline nears for reporting nearly 400 sick and disabled children who receive state health benefits to immigration authorities. The situation poses a dire risk to the well-being of these vulnerable children.
Lisa Sherman Luna, the executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, emphasized the urgency of the matter. “Today, we call on Governor Lee to take the necessary steps to protect these children,” she stated during a press conference.
The Tennessee Department of Health has issued warnings to parents about the implications of reporting their children’s status to the state’s Immigration Enforcement Division after June 30. This reporting is tied to their continued access to public safety net programs designed for children facing life-threatening illnesses or disabilities.
Approximately 4,600 children statewide qualify for the Children’s Special Needs Program, which includes about 400 immigrant children within its ranks. Eligibility for this vital program is limited to those suffering from serious chronic conditions, such as cancer, spina bifida, or cerebral palsy.
In a recent communication to parents, the health department referenced a newly enacted law mandating that undocumented immigrants receiving public benefits must report to the Tennessee Concentrated Immigration Enforcement Office, established in 2025 to facilitate coordination with federal immigration authorities.
However, discontent emerged on Tuesday among the co-sponsors of the legislation, including Republican lawmakers, who expressed concern over its consequences for ill and disabled children. “There has been some discussion on this bill,” texted Senator Ed Jackson from Jackson, Tennessee, indicating they were exploring potential amendments.
The governor’s office did not provide immediate comments on the controversy. A statement released last week affirmed that Tennessee is obligated to administer the Children’s Special Services Program in accordance with both state law and applicable federal requirements.
At the advocates’ press conference, concerned parties expressed that parents are facing “excruciating decisions.” Under the current policy, continued participation in the program could lead to a child being reported to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), putting families at risk of detention or deportation.
Removing a child from a specialized medical program not only risks immediate health care but also endangers their ongoing medical needs, which may include ventilators, feeding tubes, various therapies, and hospital care. Sherman Luna underscored the heartbreaking choices families are forced to make, stating, “It’s an impossible choice.” She lamented the lack of courage among state health department officials to oppose this troubling directive.
Dr. Jill Obremski, a former medical director at the Tennessee Department of Health, voiced grave concerns over the policy’s potential impact on children’s healthcare. She warned that failure to amend this policy could disrupt critical care, resulting in increased emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and even fatalities.
Michelle Johnson, executive director of the Tennessee Justice Center, announced plans to file a legal challenge against the policy this week. She noted that immigrant children without legal status are not eligible for Medicaid, making Special Children’s Services the only safety net for families who cannot afford life-sustaining care.
“We want our leaders to focus on real problems and real solutions rather than shifting blame to vulnerable children who need medical attention,” said Johnson. She called for Governor Lee to intervene and ensure that these children have the opportunity to thrive.
The Rev. Jeff Brown, pastoral leader of Woodmont Hills Church in Nashville, also appealed to the governor’s faith, urging him to reflect on the ethical implications of these policies. He suggested that such actions may cater to political interests while neglecting the compassionate response that should characterize leadership.
As discussions unfold, advocates continue to challenge the law’s interpretation requiring child immigration status reporting. The law, signed by Governor Lee on May 22, mandates that applicants for public benefits over the age of 18 must provide documentation of citizenship or legal status, causing concern regarding the implications for minors.
In conclusion, a mother of a 12-year-old child reliant on Children’s Special Services shared her story in a virtual advocacy press conference. She made a heartfelt appeal for compassion and understanding, stressing that the lives and health of children should not be compromised under such policies.
