Democratic attorneys general from 24 states and the District of Columbia filed a federal lawsuit Monday challenging a new administration policy that allows immigration authorities to view private information on low-income families receiving cash assistance.
The suit targets the Trump administration's plan to share data from recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families — known as TANF — with the Department of Homeland Security.
The states argue the policy violates federal privacy laws protecting sensitive welfare data, and they are seeking an injunction to block DHS from obtaining or using it.
The administration said the data access is a critical component of its immigration enforcement efforts.
Millions of families receive TANF benefits across the United States. The program provides cash assistance to low-income families with children.
State officials said the policy creates a chilling effect, deterring eligible families from seeking aid out of fear that their information will be shared with immigration agents.
The complaint was filed in federal court. The states are seeking immediate relief to halt the policy while the broader legal questions are resolved.
