On Friday, Los Angeles County healthcare agencies criticized the Trump Administration's decision to limit the access of undocumented Californians to federally funded health and social service programs.
“At L.A. County’s health departments, we are guided by the fundamental belief that health care is a human right and essential for the well-being of all people” the directors of L.A. Public Health, L.A. County Health Services, and L.A. County Mental Health Services wrote in a joint statement. “We stand united in our commitment to ensuring that every person—regardless of immigration status—can seek the healthcare services they need without fear or barriers.”
“This new federal policy threatens to undermine that mission.”
The agencies said that the announced changes will have a “massive impact” on programs run by their departments and that restricting access will worsen health outcomes and “deepen systemic inequities.”
Denying undocumented people access to federally funded healthcare programs can result in high rates of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, homelessness, and the spread of communicable diseases, according to the agencies.