Advocates Back Bill to Remove Health Barriers Facing Immigrant Families

EL PASO, TEXAS — United States Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced legislation today that would improve the health of millions in immigrant families. The Health Equity and Access under Law (HEAL) for Immigrant Families Act would reverse a 1996 law that denies lawfully present immigrants access to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program for their first five years in the U.S. The bill would also give states the flexibility to cover undocumented immigrants through Medicaid and CHIP, building on policies adopted by more than a dozen states that have used their own funds to cover people excluded under current federal law.

Responding to the bill’s introduction, the Protecting Immigrant Families Coalition (PIF) released the following statement from its director, Adriana Cadena:

“We applaud Representative Jayapal, Senator Booker, and their cosponsors for their leadership in advancing this important legislation. With immigrant families under constant attack, it’s more important than ever to work toward a better, more inclusive future when everyone can get the care we all need. We are proud to endorse the HEAL Act – a critical step toward that better future.”