Health Care for Undocumented Immigrants

Health Care for Undocumented Immigrants
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Health Care for Undocumented Immigrants
Health care represents a universal basic need that each human being requires in instances where they fall sick. America experiences a considerable number of undocumented immigrants fleeing their countries or looking for a better life for themselves and their families. Furthermore, such immigrants pose challenges to the health care industry due to the burden they place in the system (Talamantes & Aguilar-Gaxiola, 2017). As a result, the debate on whether to provide health care to such individuals continues to ravage the country. However, while undocumented immigrants pose various problems for the healthcare industry, they should receive assistance when experiencing deteriorating health without discrimination.
The costs of providing health care for undocumented immigrants rise with the increase in their numbers. While their status may prevent them from gaining valuable employment to further their economic development, they contribute immensely to the economy (Talamantes & Aguilar-Gaxiola, 2017). Those that find work, however, pay taxes through ad valorem taxes, purchases, and other payments such as rent. As a result, their contributions to the economy cannot be underplayed. Therefore, health care in both public and private institutions should be provided to them as members contributing to the American economy.
Apart from that, the law views persons in the country, undocumented or not, as members of the American community. In this regard, the law applies equally to all these people and does not limit health care to citizens only. For instance, the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act of 1986 (EMTALA) further provides for the treatment of all persons regardless of their financial abilities (Perreira & Pedroza, 2019). The mandate of such legislations thus encourages the equal treatment of all people in receiving health care, notwithstanding their race, ethnicity, social status, or origin.
Public health also takes precedence in any society to ensure the protection of the communities. Since undocumented immigrants live in residential areas with other residents, constant interactions occur as part of their daily lives. Therefore, undocumented immigrants suffering from i...