WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) sent a letter to hospital administrators in his Arizona’s 7th Congressional District inquiring into plans to protect immigrants’ access to emergency healthcare services. The letter is in response to President Trump’s recent executive action that rescinded the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidance against carrying out immigration enforcement efforts in sensitive locations, including medical centers.

“Despite the Trump Administration’s anti-immigrant rhetoric, Arizonans understand that immigrants are a vital part of our community and local economy. We must not stand by and allow humans, especially our own neighbors, to be pushed into the shadows and frightened to access the care they need,” said Rep. Grijalva.  “The fundamental right to lifesaving healthcare is not contingent upon one’s origin or the color of their skin, and we need to make sure everyone is assured they can safely receive the care they deserve.”

The letter asks hospitals for their plans to address several federal laws that afford patient-provider protections in healthcare settings. The full text is available here.