Coalition of States Sues to Keep TANF Data From DHS

Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia filed a federal lawsuit in D.C. to block the Department of Homeland Security from viewing personal TANF recipients’ data, arguing the June data-sharing policy amounts to illegal mass surveillance and violates the Administrative Procedure Act and related laws; TANF serves millions monthly, and while undocumented immigrants aren’t direct recipients, some families may benefit indirectly. The administration says data-sharing is needed to prevent noncitizens from accessing federal aid, and similar challenges to data-sharing efforts have occurred, with judges sometimes restricting access to sensitive information.