Critics fear new Tennessee law could cut off life-saving care for immigrant children

A new law in Tennessee is drawing sharp criticism from advocates who fear it will cut off life-saving medical care for children of undocumented immigrants. The law mandates that state agencies report individuals receiving benefits to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

This measure disproportionately affects families who are ineligible for Medicaid or other insurance and rely on a state special services program for their children's medical needs. According to The Tennessean, approximately 400 families recently received letters stating they must disenroll from this program by the end of the month or face having their status reported to ICE.

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Well the letter gives mothers an impossible choice.It says you can either willingly disenroll from this program that is your only pathway for your child to get lifesaving care, or you can stay on the program and we will turn over your information to ICE, which mothers know means that these children and -- could be deported to could be detained in things like Alligator Alcatraz, where they not only won't get the care they need, but they won't even get nutrition.

Michele Johnson, executive director of the Tennessee Justice Center, described the situation as presenting mothers with an "impossible choice." She explained that families must either voluntarily leave the program, losing access to critical care, or risk having their information handed over to ICE. Johnson warned that this could lead to detention in facilities like "Alligator Alcatraz" and potential deportation, ultimately resulting in the children not receiving necessary medical treatment or even adequate nutrition.

Doctors in Tennessee are concerned that either choice could lead to the "almost certain death" of these vulnerable children, who often suffer from conditions like cancer, require ventilators, or have disabilities. The law's impact highlights a growing tension between immigration enforcement and the provision of essential healthcare for undocumented populations.

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So, I mean, the choice that these mothers have is impossible. And both of these choices lead to, according to doctors in our state, almost certain death for these children.