Illegal immigrants, as well as legal immigrants in the country less than five years, are not eligible for free healthcare through Medicaid. A 2007 study estimated that less than 1 percent of Medicaid spending went to healthcare for illegal immigrants. Proponents of subsidized healthcare for immigrants argue that increased access to basic preventive care will lower the demand for costly emergency care. Opponents argue that immigrants in the healthcare system run the risk of becoming "permanent patients," because they have no relatives, insurance or an established address where they can go once released.
Narrow down which types of responses you would like to see.
Narrow down the conversation to these participants:
Discussions from these authors are shown:
These active users have achieved an understanding of common concepts and the history regarding the topic of Immigration Healthcare
These active users have achieved a basic understanding of terms and definitions related to the topic of Immigration Healthcare
@9ZN94GZ8mos8MO
Have them undergo a background check. If they do not have valid backgrounds, deport them and do not give them healthcare.
Yes, but under the following reasons: they are paying for the benefits and do not have a criminal record, or if they are looking to gain citizenship and have time in the country (And do not have a criminal record).
@9YM3DHR8mos8MO
yes !they pay taxes,only for life threatening emergencies or infectious diseases,their children should have access
@9YCRMM5 8mos8MO
Yes, but only in extreme cases in which an immigrant has some sort of illness that is life threatening in some way.
@9YBM6WC8mos8MO
Its very hard to become a citizen and everyone needs health care. If they are a good person and cause no harm yes they should
@9X8DZ478mos8MO
Yes, but they need to be registered on the spot and put in the programs that legal immigrants sign up for to stay. Legal visas, a chance at citizenship, etc.. If they with to remain alien illegal immigrants and not use offered legal channels, they should be deported.
@9VLR2ZB9mos9MO
Yes, but they should be treated as Americans and granted citizenship. It shouldn't be so hard to be granted citizenship.
@9VBXV779mos9MO
Yes, healthcare isn't government related it is a separate industry meant to take care of the people.
@9VBWVQV9mos9MO
I agree that they should have access, but with given restrictions like if they pay taxes and if they have infectious diseases/ life threatening emergencies. So as long as they are obeying the laws in the U.S.
@9V9T3XG9mos9MO
Providing illegal immigrants with access to government subsidized healthcare can help ensure public safety for the entire community.
@9V952PG9mos9MO
I would say provide aid if its essential and they have life threatening injuries, but other than that, they should be a legal citizen of the United States.
@9V6GWLL9mos9MO
Yes, as long as it's payed out through taxes or money. If their prioritized over official citizens for free it's unjust.
@9V3WB499mos9MO
I say yes but only after a background screening to show they are not criminals and have not committed heinous crimes.
@9TYWHTF9mos9MO
Yes assuming they are in the country will good will and intending on getting the proper documentation.
@9SPRZZW10mos10MO
They are human beings just like the rest of us. They shouldn't be treated any different because their immigrants and if they need medical attention they should be given it for FREE
@9RFYXLS11mos11MO
Yes only if they have a purpose to come here get citizenship the right way not coming in border without no purpose
@sterlingiii 1yr1Y
Yes, but the gov't need to follow in Canada's footsteps and fix this horrendous healthcare system once and for all.
@9JMPZ2X1yr1Y
Healthcare should not be denied to anyone who needs it. That being said, there isn't enough investment in things that would keep the cost of it down to a practical number for increasingly large numbers. Illegal immigrants, generally would then be treated in the same manner a foreign national would be in any other country with universal coverage.
@9HDT8VP2yrs2Y
Yes, everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Just help them through the immigration process
@9HBRF3G2yrs2Y
If they are hurt they should be allowed to have treatment too. But if they do something very bad or illegal then no.
@9GLQ7MQIndependent2yrs2Y
No, but only for their children and if it is life threatening. They should also be allowed to purchase private Healthcare if they are able.
@9G8HJJM2yrs2Y
Yes, if the immigrants pay taxes, and are from a background of a well-educated family, as well as from countries with a higher quality of life. For instance, an illegal immigrant from Germany should have a much easier time naturalizing compared to an illegal immigrant from Brazil. As well as the U.S should make it easier for illegal immigrants from countries that were under dictatorship such as: Belarus, and Turkmenistan. Also making it easier for those who were born/raised under a communist government.
@9G53FQS2yrs2Y
They should have access but unfortunately not everybody can be given things. So realistically it would be no.
@9FFRY732yrs2Y
Yes until they get caught.
@9FFRY732yrs2Y
Yes until they are caught.
@9FD8NR72yrs2Y
Yes, but only if they come here for positive purposes.
@9F7HYSK2yrs2Y
Not completely free, but generally affordable.
@9CNKW3KIndependent2yrs2Y
Sorry the word illegal, says it all. I'm all for the liberty of freedom, but in the right way.
@96Q79BZ3yrs3Y
It depends, if they come over hopefully they provide some of their own services for our economy.
@96NFG8WIndependent3yrs3Y
Yes, but investigate them.
@96F9XX93yrs3Y
Health care should be provided for everyone but if you are undocumented depending on the circumstance and you've lived in the united states for 10-15 years and paid taxes then yes you should have access to government-subsidized healthcare.
@965N9FB3yrs3Y
No, until they receive citizenship
@95ZM7QC3yrs3Y
This issue should be dealt with on a case-to-case basis.
@95SS7ZF3yrs3Y
No but the immigration system should be improved so they can legally have everyhting the government provides without also having to be labeled as "illegal".
@95LWSF23yrs3Y
Yes, everyone should be aloud health care
I think illegal immigrants should have those right because they have human rights. The government can give them low cost of treatment and those people who paid the taxes won't feel unfair.
@95K28HFIndependent3yrs3Y
If they are working they should have health insurance, they should have the right to buy a private insurance, people and children under the age of 26 should have free health care.
@95JLJ9C3yrs3Y
i'm going to be neutral about this
@95HX8X83yrs3Y
Yes but have them go through the process of becoming a citizen after getting medical attention.
@95F4SSNRepublican3yrs3Y
Yes, if they contribute to society
@94FJ9H53yrs3Y
If they are on vacation or are here for a valid reason then they should be treated
@949LKX63yrs3Y
not if they aren't proper citizens
@947J5NF3yrs3Y
No opinion, not enough information
@9462SMS3yrs3Y
illegal immigrants should not receive health care, unless they are granted a citizenship
@9428H59Independent3yrs3Y
They should be given basic healthcare needs to an extent. Minor injuries and infections should be treated at the expense of tax payers, however anything further is not of our issue. If they can pay for it by all means if not deportation then transported to nearest hospital.
@93YZWBCIndependent3yrs3Y
Yes because most of them pay taxes and should have access to government healthcare
After the are given citenzenship
@93LJPXRIndependence3yrs3Y
I have my tata who is from Mexico come to America to get treatment for his diabetes at a lower and quicker cost than in Mexico. I do agree that it shouldn’t just come at will just because they’re an immigrant. There shouldn’t be an importance of how long when where why how. If someone is in need of any sort of healthcare be any human it should be free. But in the circumstance of immigrants there should be more of a wait since yes they’re not from here but if someone American is on the wait and an immigrant over sees the American then that’s an issue. There should be importance over the medical emergency. Not where the person came from.
@934D3FX3yrs3Y
Yes, if they are productive and respectful members of society
@92GFCQH3yrs3Y
No, they should be redirected to become legal citizens and until they complete that process they should not be offered any benefits offered to US citizens. The process for becoming a US citizen needs to be obtainable.
@922LX3NLibertarian3yrs3Y
as long as they play their part as a citizen after the fact
@8Z9MJJQ3yrs3Y
Yes, but also make sure that they are also willing to work and pay taxes. If they came here and decided not to work and lay back, it's on them to get their own health care.
@8Z49BNX3yrs3Y
Yes, but should become citizens in allotted timeframe after receiving subsidized Healthcare and/or should be allowed to purchase private Healthcare.
@8YW4R7F3yrs3Y
As long as they aren't posing a threat to the government or the citizens
@8YVVTZB3yrs3Y
yes and Americans should be able to get free healthcare as well
@8YPGDTF3yrs3Y
No, but American born children should
@8YK95M63yrs3Y
I do not have a strong opinion
@8Y8LKBPIndependent3yrs3Y
For children and emergency situations
@8Y7YRFG3yrs3Y
Yes, they already pay more in taxes then most citizens
If they receive green cards so yes they can receive government health care programs depend on your income.
@8XS3FT74yrs4Y
yes we should show humility to all (help when we can)
@8XP47954yrs4Y
I really don't have a answer
@8XMK6HV4yrs4Y
We shouldn’t have the term illegal immigrant and we shouldn’t have government involved in healthcare at all
@8X9YVBS4yrs4Y
This is really not any of my concern.
@8X8YWFL4yrs4Y
Yes, as long as they are in the process of attaining citizenship.
@8X8F4644yrs4Y
Only if we have proof of them coming into this country for a reason and not to commit crimes
@8X7NQMY4yrs4Y
Yes, but only if they pay their taxes. They should also be granted paperwork to gain citizenship.
@8X57XDK4yrs4Y
Yes, They should but only if they don't have criminal background and are getting papers in order to be in this country .
Yes everyone in the world did health care whether or not to deployed them would be up to the immigration department if they meet the requirements to remain
@8WYBCT54yrs4Y
yes, if they have a citizenship
@8WXX32LRepublican4yrs4Y
Yes, only if they pay taxes.
@8WQRGK2Republican4yrs4Y
Yes, but they has to start the process of becoming legal
@8WPNDPRIndependent4yrs4Y
Everyone deserves to have access to health care. Hippocratic oath and all that
@8WPCH9NWomen’s Equality4yrs4Y
depending on how long they been a citizen and if they are good
@8WM663H4yrs4Y
no, only change that legal immigrants get health care immediately
Yes, if they pay taxes and have not done any serious or illegal act.
@8WFCDGB4yrs4Y
Decision is dependent on the State
@8W4XYJ44yrs4Y
Yes, they should be treated for life threatening situations, infections diseases, or other subtle issues, but be deported afterwords or be given help through the citizenship process, which should be made easier
@8W37CWD4yrs4Y
Yes, everyone in the world should have healthcare, healthcare should be a right not a privilege.
@8VXXRRF4yrs4Y
Most immigrants came here as children and were raised here from childhood. I believe programs like DACA should still be in place to help.
@8VXX2RY4yrs4Y
Yes, but only for emergencies and their children
@8VQY72C4yrs4Y
Yes, but after treatment, they must have a background check to determine if they can get a Green Card, and become a legal citizen
@8VQX2S64yrs4Y
The should only be allowed access to healthcare if they pay taxes work hard and the only exception to this is if they have life threatning illness or children to care for.
@8VPY33Z4yrs4Y
Yes, and grant them citizenship after inspections and background checks.
@8VMW6N34yrs4Y
everyone should have healthcare no matter the skin color or where they came from
@8VMH6FT4yrs4Y
Yes, but they should have to apply for a green card as well
@8VMGLN74yrs4Y
Depending on their financial, social, and pre immigration status.
@8VGPZ3B4yrs4Y
This is dumb. Healthcare is broken.
healthcare should be considered a basic human right.
@8V9PJ9X4yrs4Y
We should have different a assistance program for them specifically
@8V3T7WN4yrs4Y
Yes, if they use the proper resources after to apply for actual citizenship and not become deported.
@8V2BPQVProgressive4yrs4Y
only for life threatening situations and their children under the age of 21
@8TWCJZS4yrs4Y
Yes and to understand what their situation is first before you make the wrong assumptions like they could be running away from danger or someone is after their life and they need to get into another country for safety because it is the only way
Yes, EVERYONE should have basic rights and access to healthcare regardless of citizenship status.
@8SSYS2K4yrs4Y
It should be an option for them to accept or decline
@8S4T4274yrs4Y
only if they dont have bad record
@8S4R9DD4yrs4Y
I feel like maybe if the government would help make them legal immigrants then yes. but I don't really know about this question.
Loading the political themes of users that engaged with this discussion
Loading data...
Join in on more popular conversations.