Proposed ‘Public Charge’ Policy Could Cost California Thousands Of Jobs, Billions Of Dollars In Economic Output
The "public charge" policy would allow officials to penalize legal immigrants for accepting government aid, such as Medicaid.
Los Angeles Times:
U.S. Move To Restrict Immigrants' Healthcare Access Would Hit California's Economy, Study Says
Rules that could give immigrants reason to avoid enrolling in health safety net programs would deliver a blow to California’s economy, costing the state thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic output, a new study concluded. Under the rules proposed by the Homeland Security Department, immigrants could jeopardize their chances of getting green cards if they enroll themselves or their children in Medicaid — the half-century-old government health insurance program for the poor — or nutrition assistance programs such as CalFresh or federal housing assistance. (Bhuiyan, 12/7)
In other news —
Los Angeles Times:
San Diego County, Mexico Work To Avert Health Crisis At Migrant Camps
Two months pregnant, Jessica Mejia of Honduras received flu and tetanus vaccinations and prenatal vitamins in the health clinic at Tijuana’s El Barretal shelter Friday. She was one of many in the 6,000-strong migrant caravan to receive checkups, medications and even minor surgery from a growing set of medical services that added a mobile hospital last week. (Sisson and Solis, 12/9)