In 1996, Congress constructed an arbitrary five-year barrier preventing immigrants from accessing crucial public benefits that they support with tax dollars. Nearly thirty years later, this cruel policy still keeps many lawfully present Washington immigrants from accessing Medicaid. This month, Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced legislation to restore access to essential health programs Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as well as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The LIFT the BAR Act removes the xenophobic waiting period for DACA recipients, Green Card holders, and other lawfully present immigrants and allows them access to resources to help them thrive. Organizations can show their support by completing this form from Rep. Jayapal’s office for organizational endorsements.

“As COVID-19 disproportionately impacts immigrants who are heroically serving on the front lines of this crisis, the LIFT the BAR Act is an urgent, necessary, and just step towards ensuring they have access to the care, relief, and support they need and deserve — during a pandemic and beyond” said Congresswoman Jayapal. At least 23 million immigrants are essential workers including more than one million Dreamers. The text of the legislation is available here.

Here in Washington State, immigrants are excluded from many vital public health coverage programs. In order for all Washingtonians to access the health care we need, regardless of immigration status, the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN), Northwest Health Law Advocates (NoHLA), and the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington (ACLU-WA) have been working with community leaders and impacted community members to learn more about health care needs in communities and what should be prioritized for new coverage programs and services.  We are working to improve access to affordable health care and coverage for all Washington residents, prioritizing equal access for individuals who are uninsured and underinsured due to immigration status restrictions.  Our goal is to ensure that all immigrants in Washington will be eligible to receive health insurance and we invite organizations to join us by signing on to the Health Equity for Immigrants campaign.