YOU HAVE RIGHTS


Health and safety are basic human rights. Undocumented Californians also have the legal right to use public services to protect all health and safety.

For decades, community health centers (CHCs) have been the safety net providers for underserved and low income communities, while also serving as active advocates for their patients’ healthcare rights. This is especially true now that our immigrant patients and communities are impacted by the chilling effect, meaning many have expressed fears in accessing daily activities for fear of deportation for themselves or a family member. In response, health centers have been looking for resources and technical assistance to help them create a safer environment for their immigrant patients and staff.

We invite you to join our National Health Center Immigration Workgroup (NHCIW) to receive updates on policy changes impacting immigrant communities and share resources with out of state PCAs and health centers.

For questions, please contact Dennis Cuevas-Romero, Vice President, Government Affairs at dcuevasromero@cpca.org or (916) 440-8170.

You may access resources and technical assistance, including sample policies and procedures, FAQs, and recorded webinars, by visiting the sections below.

IMPORTANT UPDATES

  • DACA: On September 13, 2023 a federal judge in the Southern District of Texas ruled DACA unlawful. Per the judge’s order, first-time DACA applications continue to be blocked and cannot be processed. Individuals who have DACA (as of July 16, 2021), or whose DACA has lapsed for less than one year, can continue to apply for renewal of their DACA. Although this ruling is very disappointing, this decision is likely to be appealed to higher courts, and potentially the U.S Supreme Court. This will likely be a lengthy and time-consuming process, which could create an opportunity for Congress to take action and create a permanent solution for DACA recipients. 

Also, earlier this year, the Biden administration proposed a rule that would modify the definition of “lawfully present” used to determine eligibility for ACA health plans and certain other health care programs. In California, DACA recipients can access Medi-Cal through PRUCOL. However, the rule would now also allow DACA recipients to purchase plans, and receive income-based subsidies, through Covered CA.

  • Public Charge: On September 9, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the final public charge rule, which is set to go into effect on December 23, 2022. The new rule ensures that immigrants and their families have access to vital services offered by the social safety net, including healthcare, food, and housing. The final regulation largely restores and improves upon the 1999 Guidance, which governed the public charge policy for 20 years prior to the Trump administration. You can view CPCA's CEO statement on the new Public Charge regulation.