NCLR Applauds Introduction of Bill Aimed at Offering Health Care to Lawfully Present Immigrants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Joseph Rendeiro
(202) 776-1776
jrendeiro@nclr.org

Today, Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham (D–N.M.) introduced the “Health Equity and Access under the Law (HEAL) for Immigrant Women and Families Act,” legislation that will restore medical coverage to millions of immigrants who are authorized to live and work in the United States. Among the changes that would be made, this legislation would enable lawfully present immigrants to participate in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and access Medicaid, and it would allow DREAMers who have been granted deferred action to participate in the Affordable Care Act.

“The legislation introduced by Congresswoman Lujan Grisham is an important step toward removing the unfair barriers within our health care system that jeopardize the health and safety of immigrant women and families,” said Eric Rodriguez, Vice President of the Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation at NCLR (National Council of La Raza). “By providing immigrants with affordable health coverage and access to preventative care, we will create healthier communities and a healthier workforce while reducing the burdens of costly emergency care on hospitals and patients. We strongly encourage Congress to pass this bill, which will give lawfully present immigrants a greater opportunity to participate in the health care system that they already contribute to.”

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