Immigrant Health

APHA believes a strong public health system is dependent on just and equitable practices that promote community health. We have weighed in on issues related to immigrant health, including:

• Organization comments to U.S. Department of Homeland Security on updating the public charge rule to protect immigrant communities' use of social safety net programs like Medicaid and housing programs
• APHA's statement applauding President Biden's actions to reunify families separated at the U.S./Mexico border, rescind public charge rule
• APHA’s statement opposing the administration’s finalized public charge rule
• Public health brief (PDF) filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York highlighting the negative public health impacts of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's final rule, "Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds" (PDF)
• APHA’s policy statement opposing separating immigrant and refugee families at U.S. borders
• Organization letter supporting H.R. 3451 (PDF), the Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections for Separated Children Act and H.R. 3452, the Help Separated Families Act
• APHA’s comments (PDF) opposing the U.S. Department of Housing and Development's proposed rule, "Verification of Eligible Status," which would restrict or eliminate access to public and other subsidized housing for mixed-status immigrant families that have members who are undocumented or otherwise ineligible for housing assistance
• Health organization brief (PDF) filed in the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Department of Homeland Security vs. Regents of the University of California challenging the administration's decision to repeal the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program

RELATED BILLS ENDORSED BY APHA IN THE 116^th CONGRESS

• S.2097 – Protecting Sensitive Locations Act
• H.R. 3239 – Humanitarian Standards  for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act – passed the House on 7/24
• H.R. 3451 - Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections for Separated Children Act
• H.R. 3452 - Help Separated Families Act

As an organization committed to strengthening the nation’s public health systems and achieving health equity, APHA supports policies that encourage positive health behaviors and promote access to health services, regardless of an individual’s citizenship status.

Recent U.S. immigration policies have led to substantial fears among immigrant communities that are driving people away from accessing basic health services, setting the stage for a public health crisis. Similarly, the practice of separating families at U.S. border crossings and the conditions in which they are being held is cause for great concern. These policies and practices threaten the health and well-being of millions of lawfully present immigrants and those seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.