Congressman Cohen Urges Governor Lee to Reverse Decision to Have Sick Children Deported

WASHINGTON - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today wrote to Governor Bill Lee urging him to reverse a directive for the Tennessee Department of Health to report immigrant parents and their children who are on the Department's Children's Special Services (CSS) Program beyond June 30 to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation.

The letter reads in part:

"As you're aware, the CSS was established in the 1930s and provides comprehensive medical care for children from birth to 21 years old with physical disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy, Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anemia, and are in wheelchairs on oxygen support. In other words, these children are some of the sickest and most vulnerable in society.

"My understanding is that you have directed the Tennessee Department of Health to report these children and their parents to ICE to comply with Tennessee Public Chapter 1106 which was enacted in late May…

"I urge you to reverse your directive to the Tennessee Department of Health. As you wind down your term as Governor, consider your Christian background as you implement policies that will define your legacy."

The letter then quotes from Leviticus (19:33-34) "When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born…" and from Matthew (25:40), "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of my brethren, ye have done unto me."

See the entire letter here.

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