CHICAGO, Illinois — The U.S., historically a refuge for migrants, faces a growing crisis in health care access driven by stricter policies. Medicaid cuts, immigration status checks at federal clinics and threats to share patient data with immigration authorities have created a climate of fear among immigrant and undocumented communities. Many people avoid even emergency medical care out of fear of retaliation.
Governor J.B. Pritzker halted enrollments in Illinois, one of the country’s most prominent sanctuary states. Pritzker cut funding for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) programs, which provided state medical coverage to low-income undocumented adults. This decision left more than 30,000 people without access to covered health services, forcing them to seek alternatives in an often unwelcoming system.
The Fear Cost
A 2025 report by Physicians for Human Rights shows many providers have witnessed their migrant patients cancel or skip medical visits due to fears of raids and deportations. This concern grows amid federal proposals to share personal data of nearly 79 million Medicaid recipients, including addresses and ethnic backgrounds, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This situation jeopardizes individual health and increases system costs by driving more emergency visits and avoidable medical complications.
A Safe Haven Amid Fear
CommunityHealth, based in Chicago, offers a wide range of free medical services. In an interview with The Borgen Project, Laura Starr, Director of Communications at CommunityHealth, explained: “We provide primary care, more than 20 medical specialties, dental care, mental health counseling, prescription medications and health education.” The clinic serves low-income adults without insurance, regardless of immigration status.
At the same time, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) brings together more than 100 organizations across Illinois to support immigrants and refugees. ICIRR’s work combines education, services and advocacy: it connects communities with legal advice, health information and integration programs. Furthermore, ICIRR promotes civic participation and pushes for public policies that ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of status.
Fear and Uncertainty Amid New Policies
Despite this support, fear and uncertainty persist among undocumented communities, many of whom are unaware of legal and free resources available in emergencies. For many, the fear of medical debt or detention limits their use of health services, even when guaranteed.
Speaking with The Borgen Project, ICIRR’s communications director Brandon Lee highlighted the group’s mission, noting: “We believe health is a human right and we will keep fighting and organizing to ensure people access the care they need.” Although options shrank after HBIA and HBIS cancellations, ICIRR continues to inform and connect those needing available resources.
Challenges Ahead
Organizations face multiple challenges, from funding shortages to staff burnout. Starr expects patient demand to surge in the coming months due to lost insurance. At the same time, donations may drop amid recent budget cuts.
From clinics like CommunityHealth, Starr explains that their next challenge is maintaining favorable wait times while continuing the same high-quality care they have provided for many years. She emphasizes, “While we don’t plan to change how we operate, we face the challenge of maintaining reasonable wait times and the high-quality care we currently provide.”
At the same time, Lee highlights ICIRR’s focus on preparedness amid changing ICE tactics. He explains that the organization supports families with detained members while educating and organizing communities to respond to potential increases in immigration enforcement. As he points out, “First, we support those with detained family members. Second, we work to educate and organize our communities to face possible increases in immigration enforcement. Unfortunately, that seems inevitable.”
Health Without Borders: The Road Ahead
Despite barriers and uncertainty in accessing health care, community clinics and organizations like CommunityHealth and ICIRR prove that solidarity makes a difference. They provide free care and support to vulnerable communities despite cuts and a challenging political climate. These networks offer a tangible refuge and remind us that health is a fundamental right.
– Su Ying Lee Yang
Su is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr