Fear of ICE Is Changing How Local Immigrants Seek Health Care

When people delay care, it can cause lower health outcomes for individuals and costly consequences for the community, said Justin Gill, an urgent care nurse practitioner and president of the Washington State Nurses Association. In addition to rising immigration enforcement concerns, Gill said that costs are also a reason why many immigrants delay care.

Federal law requires emergency rooms to treat people regardless of immigration status. When people wait until their health concerns worsen, they likely end up in the ER, which can contribute to ERs becoming strained and overwhelmed.

As a nurse practitioner, Gill has noticed more people don't follow up on appointments to address long-term diseases, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and instead seek immediate fixes in urgent care or the ER.