Tennessee Plans to Share Data on Children with Disabilities with Immigration Authorities
By
Drishti Pillai
Akash Pillai
Samantha Artiga
June 29, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Tennessee to Provide Information on Disabled Children to Immigration Enforcement Agencies
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Data Sharing Policies Impacting Disabled Children Key Mechanisms State legislation requiring verification of immigration status for public benefits and reporting of non-lawfully present individuals. Target Population Children with disabilities enrolled in Tennessee’s Children’s Special Services program. Care Setting State health department and public benefit programs.
Key Highlights
Approximately 400 families received notices regarding data sharing with immigration authorities. A temporary restraining order was issued to prevent data sharing. Tennessee's CSS program serves children under 21 with physical disabilities. Concerns raised about potential chilling effects on program enrollment. National survey indicates increased fear among immigrant families regarding public benefit participation. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Management
Monitoring & Follow-up
Risks
Potential disruptions in care for children with disabilities. Increased disenrollment from public benefit programs due to fear of immigration enforcement. Patient & Prescribing Data
Children under age 21 with physical disabilities and family income at or below 225% of the federal poverty level.
CSS program provides care coordination and payment assistance without immigrant eligibility restrictions.
Clinical Best Practices
Ensure clear communication with families regarding their rights and the implications of data sharing. Advocate for policies that protect vulnerable populations from immigration enforcement actions. Related Resources & Content
