(The Center Square) – The state of Tennessee cannot ask about the immigration status of 400 children treated through a state medical program for children with physical disabilities, per a new court order.
The Department of Health sent a letter to the children’s families on June 1, saying that because of their immigration status, they would be reported to the Department of Public Safety, according to the Tennessee Justice Center.
A new law, filed as House Bill 1710/Senate Bill 1915, passed by the General Assembly this year and signed by Gov. Bill Lee, requires immigration checks on anyone receiving public benefits. It was effective July 1.
Three physicians, represented by The Tennessee Justice Center, sued the Department of Health in the Davidson County Chancery Court to stop it from removing the children from the program.
Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal said in an order handed down Tuesday that it not only bars the department from reporting the children to the Department of Public Safety but also requires the department to send a letter to the families in their native language notifying them of the injunction. The agreement is in place until a trial or another court order.
“This agreement provides vital protections for families who should never have been forced to choose between their child’s healthcare and the fear of immigration enforcement,” said Michele Johnson, executive director of the Tennessee Justice Center, in a statement to The Center Square. “Children with complex medical needs deserve uninterrupted access to care. We are pleased that these parents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their children will be safe while this case moves forward.”
The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication getting comment from the attorney general’s office.