Last Thursday, President Obama announced an executive order that will protect approximately 4 million United States immigrants from deportation. The executive action will also grant those protected- those who have lived in the country for 5 years or more or who are parents to American citizens- temporary visas, which will allow them to legally work in the country.<\/p>\n
What does this mean for reproductive health of immigrant women in the U.S.? Well, it increases the likelihood that immigrants will receive insurance benefits, if they have an employer who provides health insurance to employees. Hopefully, it will mean that many more immigrant women have access to affordable contraception, gynecological care, and maternal care.<\/p>\n
However, I don’t think this executive order does enough to protect immigrant women’s sexual and reproductive health. The 4 million immigrants that are protected will still not be eligible for Obamacare. Although able to legally work, many of them will have low-wage jobs that do not offer insurance benefits. Although this order will improve the lives of the immigrants it protects, it does not fully address their right to healthcare. As the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice commented, Obama “can and should do more” to protect immigrants as he seeks to expand universal healthcare.<\/p>\n
Since my view on this issue is pretty clear, I was wondering what you all think. Do you think universal healthcare should apply to immigrant women? Why is it important (or not) to provide healthcare to immigrant women?<\/p>\n
Sources:<\/p>\n
A Washington Post Article with some general information about Obama’s executive action (including a short video of his speech):\u00a0http:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/blogs\/wonkblog\/wp\/2014\/11\/19\/your-complete-guide-to-obamas-immigration-order\/<\/p>\n
Center for Reproductive Right’s reaction to the decision:\u00a0http:\/\/reproductiverights.org\/en\/press-room\/administrative-action-on-immigration-provides-relief-to-millions&s_src=E15SOC111419F&s_subsrc=datasync&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=E15SOC111419F<\/p>\n
A Politico “blurb” about the decision:\u00a0http:\/\/www.politico.com\/politicopulse\/1114\/politicopulse16205.html<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Last Thursday, President Obama announced an executive order that will protect approximately 4 million United States immigrants from deportation. The executive action will also grant those protected- those who have lived in the country for 5 years or more or … Continue reading