New York City reaffirmed its commitment to protect immigrants and reminded them that they do not need to fear going to hospitals for the assistance they need, despite the current challenging context with the administration of President Donald Trump, which is intensifying its campaign against this community.
At a forum led by city officials, including the Commissioner of the Office of Immigration Affairs, Manuel Castro, immigrants were assured that the law making New York a "sanctuary city" is still in effect. It was emphasized that it is not necessary to disclose their immigration status to access health services and other benefits, despite current immigration policies.
The interim Commissioner of the local Department of Health, Michelle Morse, mentioned that protecting immigrants is essential for public health, and highlighted that the life expectancy of immigrants is higher than that of the U.S.-born generation. Therefore, she emphasized the importance of them having access to medical services.
The executive director of the public hospitals and clinics corporation, Jonathan Jiménez, supported the protection of patient privacy, assuring that it is not necessary to disclose information about immigration status to receive medical care.
Jiménez, who leads the NYC Care program for residents who do not qualify for health insurance, including the undocumented, reported that the number of patients treated monthly at community clinics has not decreased. The agency is also working with non-governmental organizations to inform immigrants and protect their privacy in case immigration agents are present at hospital facilities.
The Immigration Commissioner, Castro, pointed out that the forum was held in response to immigrants' concerns about the safety of going to hospitals due to fear of deportation. He emphasized the need to communicate accurate information to the community, avoiding political issues, especially at a time when immigration policies and cooperation between the city and the federal government create insecurity among the immigrant population.
