We were pleased to join a group of 42 other health care advocacy groups in a “friend of the court” brief in support of California laws to protect immigrants from federal deportation. In U.S. v. California, the Trump Administration seeks a federal court injunction against these state laws. The amicus brief focuses on the sweeping public health consequences of aggressive immigration enforcement policies, recognizing that nearly half of California children live in immigrant families. The groups urge the federal court to uphold these laws, which “help create a safe and inclusive community for immigrants” in the state and help protect all Californians against detrimental health consequences. NoHLA is concerned that a decision favoring the Trump administration could have a negative impact beyond California.

California is also pushing the envelope on health coverage for undocumented immigrants. Bills have been proposed in both chambers of their legislature to extend comprehensive Medicaid to all California adults for $3 billion per year. California has a revenue surplus and providing only emergency Medicaid to undocumented immigrants has significant limitations, as detailed in this story about a New York immigrant who sought potentially life-saving treatment at the risk of being deported.