New York, NY—Today, it was reported that some healthcare providers in New York City are denying care to individuals who do not prove they are citizens or have social security numbers. Federally Qualified Health Centers are mandated to provide healthcare to underserved communities regardless of their ability to pay, which often serves as a safety net for underdocumented and mixed status families. Last week, Donald Trump issued a vague and legally obtuse executive order aimed to limit undocumented immigrants’ access to social services and other government assistance. This executive order is another attempt to instill fear in service providers and immigrant communities alike, and designed to discourage immigrant families from accessing the essential services they need.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“All New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status, deserve access to medical services when they are in need. Access to healthcare is not only morally correct, it is essential to strengthening our public health. However, with every half-baked Executive Order from the Trump administration, the rights of individuals and communities around the country are being impeded upon. Federally-funded healthcare programs have a mission to promote healthy communities and healthy child development by serving every resident. Excluding certain people from this care will hurt every New Yorker, and creates a chilling effect for providers and for recipients alike. Let us be clear to all healthcare providers operating in New York State: you must treat every person who needs care. Any ‘healthcare’ institution that turns its backs on its mission to care for all has made the wrong choice, but it is not too late to correct this mistake and fulfill its mandate to serve the people of New York City.”