How Deferred Action Can Help New Jersey Families Access Health Care
Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right that every person deserves. Unfortunately, many people in New Jersey still face challenges in accessing healthcare, especially undocumented immigrants. However, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) offer an opportunity for undocumented immigrants to access healthcare.
Deferred Action is a policy that was introduced by the Obama administration in 2012 to provide temporary relief to undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. DACA and DAPA enable eligible individuals to obtain a Social Security number, work authorization, and protection from deportation for a renewable period of two years. As a result, these individuals are able to access healthcare and other benefits that were previously unavailable to them.
The impact of Deferred Action on healthcare access in New Jersey has been significant. According to a report by the Center for American Progress, DACA recipients have reported significant improvements in their health, mental health, and access to healthcare. Similarly, undocumented immigrants who qualify for DAPA will also have access to healthcare, including Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace coverage.
For many New Jersey families, Deferred Action has provided a lifeline to affordable healthcare. A study by the New Jersey Policy Perspective found that DACA has enabled over 17,000 individuals to access health insurance in the state. Additionally, DAPA would allow an estimated 121,000 undocumented immigrants in New Jersey to gain access to healthcare.
Furthermore, Deferred Action has broader benefits beyond healthcare access. For example, it enables eligible individuals to work legally and pay taxes, which can boost the economy and contribute to the community. Deferred Action recipients also report improvements in their mental health and wellbeing, as they no longer have to live in fear of being separated from their families and communities.
However, it is important to note that Deferred Action is not a permanent solution. It is a temporary program that could be discontinued by any administration, leaving beneficiaries vulnerable to deportation and loss of benefits. Therefore, it is crucial for Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform that provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, ensuring that they have access to healthcare and other benefits on a permanent basis.
In addition, there are still challenges that need to be addressed to improve healthcare access for all in New Jersey. For example, language barriers and lack of healthcare providers who accept Medicaid and other low-income health insurance can limit access to healthcare. Furthermore, some undocumented immigrants may be hesitant to seek healthcare services due to fear of deportation.
To address these challenges, New Jersey should invest in language access services and culturally competent healthcare providers who understand the unique needs of immigrant communities. Additionally, New Jersey should expand Medicaid coverage and provide financial incentives to healthcare providers who accept Medicaid and other low-income health insurance.
It is important to recognize that healthcare is a human right and that all individuals, regardless of their immigration status, should have access to quality healthcare. As a society, we must work together to ensure that everyone has the resources they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. By supporting policies like Deferred Action and comprehensive immigration reform, and investing in healthcare infrastructure, we can create a more equitable and just society for all.
At The Scheer Immigration Law Group, we are committed to helping New Jersey families access healthcare by providing legal assistance to those who are eligible for Deferred Action. We understand the complexities of the immigration system and the challenges that immigrants face in accessing healthcare. By providing legal support, we hope to empower individuals and families to live healthy and fulfilling lives in the United States.
Our team of experienced immigration attorneys can guide individuals through the application process for DACA and DAPA, ensuring that all the necessary documentation is provided and deadlines are met. We can also provide legal advice and representation to individuals who are seeking to renew their DACA or DAPA status, as well as those who are facing deportation proceedings.
We recognize the importance of healthcare access for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. That is why we are dedicated to supporting policies like Deferred Action and comprehensive immigration reform that promote access to healthcare and other benefits for all. As a legal team, we are committed to serving our community and advocating for the rights of immigrants in New Jersey and beyond.