Editor’s Note: The following article was written by Ximena Tobon, one of the Tribuno’s first summer interns.
President Donald Trump has stated on multiple occasions that the “invasion” of migrants into the United States is killing Medicaid and Social Security. Yet, what he fails to share is that only a select group of “qualified” immigrants have access to those services, leaving a majority of the undocumented community without access to basic health care.
Undocumented immigrants paid almost $100 billion in taxes in 2022, with $25.7 billion going into Social Security and $6.4 billion into Medicare. Helping fund programs that they will likely never have access to.
Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act of 1986 (EMTALA) everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status, has to be given a medical exam, treated until stable, and transferred to receive further care if needed. However, in 1996, the introduction of the Federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act (PRWORA) took away immigrant access to federally funded public services like healthcare, retirement, welfare, housing, and more. Leaving the undocumented community with emergency care as the only right to health in the U.S.
Due to fear of revealing status, being labeled a “public charge”, or lack of information many undocumented immigrants wait to seek care, putting their health and communities at risk. Anti-immigrant rhetoric in society and its institutions often overshadow services available at the state or local level. While there are substantial differences from state to state, even Republican states like Texas, offer programs to ensure the public health of their communities, including undocumented immigrants.
Texas, known for its strict anti-immigration policies, has approximately 1.7 million undocumented immigrants. While there are laws like SB4 that make being undocumented a state crime, there are also programs that help those who cannot access federal services.
- Texas Emergency Medicaid pays for emergency care for those who meet the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) requirements, except for their immigration status.
- The County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) allows low-income Texas residents to receive medical screenings, vaccines, labs and radiology, and more. The program managed by Texas counties is available in over 200 clinics to those not eligible for Medicaid that have an income level at or below 21% of the federal poverty guidelines, live in the state, and have less than $2,000 in resources.
- The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Perinatal Program allows pregnant women regardless of their immigration status to receive care. Due to birthright citizenship, it is healthcare for their unborn American child through the state. It covers prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care.
- Title X Family Planning Program offers contraceptive services, basic infertility services, STI testing and treatment, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and more. Services are paid based on a sliding fee scale and citizenship is not required.
- Title V Maternal and Child Health Fee-for-Service Program allows low-income pregnant women and children from birth to 21 years, to receive medical and dental services. Regardless of immigration status, Texas residents that have an income level at or below 185% of the federal poverty line can apply to receive care.
While limited, health services for undocumented immigrants are essential to the public health of the United States. People need to challenge misinformation as hostility towards undocumented immigrants creates health disparities impacting all. No one should have to wait until a life or death emergency to receive the basic human right of health.
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