The protracted immigration crisis in the United States leads to a problem of the health of immigrants and the appropriate procedures for its provision. Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act was passed in 2019 and “imposes requirements and standards related to the care of aliens in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody” (H.R.3239, 2019). Under this bill, CBP must screen every immigrant in custody to identify high-risk vulnerabilities and acute conditions and provide necessary health assistance. Additionally, the bill sets standards for the minimum required to provide drinking water, escape conditions, and other vital aspects. The problem, as well as related policies, has a number of economic effects.
The economic impact of addressing the problem lies in the potential for reduced health care costs in the U.S. This can be achieved by preventing the spread of diseases through immigrants, as well as by preventing the need for them to provide acute medical care in the future. Accordingly, if this problem is not addressed, then the health of both immigrants and U.S. residents is under potential threat, which can lead to increased spending on health care. The bill provides similar treatment and standards for all immigrants, which means that all people and groups are treated equally. This problem certainly manifests a competing need for resources to ensure the individual health in the immigrant groups. At present, the United States, as one of the most developed countries in the world, can provide economic support for this policy. Politicians associated with this issue may also become more immigrant-focused, emphasizing human rights and ensuring their protection. It is difficult to estimate the long-term economic effects of this policy, but in the short term, addressing this issue is likely to result in increased health care spending.
Reference
H.R.3239 – Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act.(2019). Congress.