Coronavirus and deportation: what to do to illegal immigrants if they get sick

In an effort to strengthen the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. government passed a bill in early March that allows Americans, among other things, to access free coronavirus tests, unemployment benefits, and take paid sick leave. What does this mean for immigrants without legal status? Found out the publication "Voice of America".

Photo: Shutterstock

Worrying about losing their daily state or fear of deportation may prevent illegal immigrants from seeking medical help if they become coronavirus. However, in this situation, the consequences can be very serious.

In New York, the city of refuge, after the emergency was declared, the governor and the mayor assured the residents of the city that they should not be afraid of deportation.

“While it may seem daunting, we have the best healthcare system in the country. Our hospitals do not ask about the status of documents, and we never turn away those who cannot afford this treatment,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Twitter.

This means that the network of medical institutions in New York will not transmit personal information to the National Immigration Service, it will provide medical care regardless of the lack of medical insurance and the ability to pay for treatment.

New York Department of Health even developed a websitewhere people can find out the latest information on coronavirus.

As the U.S. Immigration and Customs Service under the presidency of Donald Trump increased the number of raids in New York and other refuge cities, human rights advocates urge Trump to identify hospitals and other “sensitive areas” that are not subject to immigration procedures.

Deportation raids, as a rule, cease in case of national disasters or crises except for the presence of “exceptional circumstances”. Donald Trump declared a state of emergency throughout the country due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Immigration officials promise not to carry out “raids” in hospitals during the crisis.

On the subject: What happens in the body after infection with coronavirus: step by step

“People seeking treatment for the virus should continue to do so without fear or hesitation,” ICE officials said. “Claims to the contrary are false and cause unnecessary fear in communities.”

About two dozen hospitals in South Florida told reporters that reporting immigration to illegal immigrants was not their practice.

In accordance with the Law on Emergency Medical Treatment, all hospitals are required to conduct examinations and provide medical assistance to any person who arrives at the emergency department, regardless of immigration status. All patients are also protected by federal and state privacy laws, meaning the hospital is not allowed to report to immigration authorities.

Read also on ForumDaily:

'Humanity will survive': a Nobel laureate explained why you should not panic because of a coronavirus

What happens in the body after infection with coronavirus: step by step

Why do Americans buy weapons and ammunition during the coronavirus pandemic?

Cultural activities during quarantine: how to visit the best museums and theaters without leaving your home

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.