Undocumented and immigrant populations are vulnerable because it is challenging to access even primary healthcare. The number of people without citizenship is high in California, and the issue is urgent for the state (Garcia & Healey, 2021). Legislative regulations like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) partially protected these populations. Biden’s administration aimed to preserve the program, and it can result in new challenges in providing healthcare for the vulnerable. The regulations they implemented increased the number of people who fell through the cracks. For example, those who were not continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, will not receive DACA-based protection (Garcia & Healey, 2021). Today, immigrants and undocumented individuals are not considered lawfully present (Covered California, n. d.). It means that they cannot use Covered California and get monetary help even if they participate in DACA (Covered California, n. d.). These conditions are severe for healthcare because people with chronic diseases or emergencies cannot be treated.
In California, immigrants and undocumented populations face challenges in getting proper treatment. They are not eligible to purchase a health plan through Covered California or receive financial assistance (Covered California, n. d.). Even the DACA program participants face difficulties when it comes to healthcare. The regulation does not enable the option to get at least Medicaid coverage, and private insurance is only available when a person is employed (McDonnell et al., 2021). They develop poor behaviors and do not reach for help because they find it impossible to achieve. I have an immigrant friend with diabetes, and her condition worsened because she did not get appropriate care. Providing help for vulnerable populations is crucial, and organizations must revise the current programs and strategies to improve the situation.
References
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2019). National nurse practitioner week: NPs are key to providing better rural care. Web.
Covered California (n. d.). Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Web.
Garcia, K., & Healey, J. (2021). Biden administration wants to re-create DACA through new federal rule. What does that mean? Los Angeles Times. Web.
McDonnell, G., del Rio, N., & Jordan, M. (2021). What is DACA? And where does it stand now?The New York Times. Web.
Rural Health Information Hub (2019). Rural health disparities. Web.