Undocumented Immigrants in the US and Healthcare for them

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There are an estimated 11.1 million undocumented immigrants currently residing in the United States. The current healthcare model pertains to all U.S citizens, but what are the parameters and regulations regarding those who live here illegally? The purpose of this paper is to not only answer this question, but also to address concerns regarding the provision of health care benefits, rights, and our ethical responsibilities to this population. Some viewpoints assert that if a person is in the United States illegally, he should have no rights and no benefits. Proponents justify this position by blaming illegal immigration for economic hardships, such as increasing health care costs, for the American people. This attitude is simply inaccurate. Many undocumented immigrants do contribute to the economies of the federal, state and local governments through taxes and can stimulate job growth. However, the cost of providing healthcare impacts federal, state, and local governments differently. The United States has a history in which success is associated with greater negativity toward certain groups. Anti-immigration sentiment and extreme immigration policy may come from the desire to blame outsiders for poor economic conditions. Immigrant and minority attitudes as well as policy regulations are tied to economic competition. Current public opinion polls show mixed attitudes over immigrants and immigration policy because of the ability of citizens to distinguish between documented and undocumented citizens. The way the media reports the contribution of immigrants in a difficult economic market can lead to unfavorable attitudes concerning their success. Pair wise comparisons across different ethnic groups showed that less-positive attitudes... ... middle of paper ... ...report employers who violate the basic standards of a decent society. A society does not need to bear full casual responsibility in order to assume social responsibility (Dwyer, 2004). Providing health care for all workers and their families is a very good way to improve the benefit that workers receive for the worst forms of work to render workers less vulnerable, and to express social and communal respect for them. In conclusion, so long as immigrants with legal or illegal status, continue to pay taxes on income and contribute to Social Security, they should have health care rights. Based on the evidence provided, and proven by research, to extend current health care benefits to this population would only serve to benefit both the immigrant and native born populations. Our ethical responsibilities are mandated by our laws and have been outlined in this report.

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