Ben D’Avanzo leads NILC’s federal health advocacy and language justice work. He works with Congress, executive branch agencies, national stakeholders, and community organizations to advocate for immigrants’ access to health care and healthy lives.
His focuses include expanding immigrants’ access to public support programs, strengthening language access civil rights, and defending against attacks on immigrant families. He authors fact sheets and reports, leads advocacy coalitions, and devises strategies while working with partners and policymakers.
Ben has a master’s degree in public administration from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from American University. He spends his time cooking and playing with his two delightful daughters.
What’s in Congress’s New ICE Funding Law?
Published Jun 11, 2026
Despite Being Flush in Cash, DHS Wants $70 Billion More in Tax Payer Dollars
Published May 7, 2026 Instead of continuing negotiations toward reforms and accountability, Congressional leaders...
Will Fear Keep Many Immigrants from Filing Their Taxes This Year?
Published Mar 18, 2026 Immigrants are wondering how they’re supposed to safely pay their taxes – a problem that hurts the whole country.
Hundreds of Thousands of Immigrants are Losing Health Care and Food Aid, Thanks to Congress
Ben D’Avanzo and Yarely Martinez-Lopez
Published Jul 15, 2026 A year after H.R. 1 passed, hundreds of thousands of immigrants are likely to lose essential food and health care aid, following the bill’s new restrictions on their eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, subsidized care on the Affordable Care Act...