The threat of immigration enforcement and presence of law enforcement at health care facilities deters immigrants and communities of color from seeking needed medical services. Border communities are particularly vulnerable given the frequent presence of U.S. Border Patrol agents at hospitals, which is compounded by the enforcement actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that threaten immigrant communities across the country.
The impact of immigration officials’ presence and actions at health care facilities is especially acute during times of public health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care providers should be informed of their rights, the rights of their patients, and the steps they can take to protect their patients and ensure access to care without fear or discrimination.
To that end, this guide provides information to hospitals, medical centers, community health centers, other health care facilities, health care professionals, medical associations, and advocates on how to prepare for and respond to:
- enforcement actions by immigration officials;
- interactions with law enforcement that could result in immigration consequences for their patients;
- and law enforcement presence that deters access to care.
*For footnotes and bibliography, please reference the PDF version of this resource below.
Overview of Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs (Table)
Updated Oct 1, 2026 This table provides an overview of immigrant eligibility for the major federal public assistance programs. Originally published in November 2015.
Major Benefit Programs Available to Immigrants in California (Table)
Updated Sep 23, 2026 This table lists the programs for which certain immigrants residing in California are eligible. Originally published in May 2017.
Medical Assistance Programs for Immigrants in Various States (Table)
Updated Aug 24, 2026 This table outlines state policies for extending health coverage to more immigrant groups, including lawfully residing children and pregnant persons, regardless of their U.S. entry date, and providing prenatal care using CHIP funds, regardless...
NILC Responds to Trump’s Cruel ‘Public Charge’ Rule Change
Published Jul 16, 2026 Sarah Krieger, senior policy counsel at the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration's finalized “public charge”...