Denying basic health care to undocumented immigrants: A public health perspective

In November 1994 Californians passed Proposition 187, an initiative which denies illegal immigrants nonemergency medical treatment in publicly funded health care facilities. Other state governments (Arizona and Florida) as well as the U.S. Congress are currently debating the issue. As policy makers attempt to determine if medical services ought to be provided to undocumented immigrants it will be important to know the possible public health consequences, e.g., what are the dangers and consequences to legal residents and citizens when some medical services, such as treatment for tuberculosis, are not available to undocumented immigrants? Or, what happens when illegal mothers aren't offered affordable care during pregnancy and birth or childhood immunizations for their children? Denying basic medical services to undocumented immigrants is dangerous and shortsighted. Basic medical services ought to be offered to people in need, regardless of citizenship status, to safeguard the public health and promote public good.