Tennessee educators and school leaders are warning that proposed state legislation could force public schools to collect students’ immigration status, potentially undermining trust with immigrant families and depressing enrollment. Principal Greg Wilkey of Eastside Elementary in Chattanooga said fear of enforcement already led some families to leave last year. The reported legislative push challenges protections tied to Plyler v. Doe, the 1982 Supreme Court decision that barred states from denying a free public education to undocumented students. Advocates say the current version being debated is narrower than earlier proposals, but still would create significant operational and legal conflict. The backdrop includes expanded immigration enforcement near school sites and the reported rescission of a prior federal policy memo that had provided schools some protection from immigration enforcement activity. Educators say they expect anxiety, absences, and fewer families willing to engage with school staff if immigration tracking expands.