Snader v. Tennessee Department of Health

On June 24, 2026, the Tennessee Justice Center filed suit on behalf of three Nashville physicians seeking to protect their patients from the implementation of a new state rule targeting immigrant children with severe disabilities. The doctors’ patients are among 400 immigrant children across Tennessee who receive medical care through a federally funded program known as Children’s Special Services. For decades, the program has provided advanced care to medically fragile children, regardless of their immigration status, if they have no other access to care. The doctors’ patients require ongoing care for life-threatening conditions such as congenital heart disease, leukemia and severe seizure disorders. Starting July 1, the new rule requires the state health department to report to immigration enforcement officials all children still receiving care through the CSS program who are suspected of not having proper immigration status.

The doctors charge that the new rule violates state and federal law. They ask the state Chancery Court to restrain state health officials from reporting the children to immigration enforcement officials until the Court can decide the lawsuit. They warn that the costly, complex care their patients require will be unavailable without the CSS program. They state that even a brief disruption of care would be harmful, and could be deadly for some.​

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UPDATE AS OF 11AM CT ON JUNE 25TH, 2026:

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The Chancery Court has temporarily stopped the Tennessee Department of Health from sharing information about people who get services from the CSS program with immigration authorities. After July 2nd, 2026, a judge will make a decision.

If you are a CSS family or thinking about applying, you do NOT need to leave the program right now. It is best to wait and see what the court decides next.