The New York Times published an article recently which highlights the growing number of immigrants in the United States who are refraining from receiving proper health care out of fear of being interrogated or even potentially deported. The article references a recent national poll conducted by the Migrant Clinicians Network in which two-thirds of provider respondents noted a growing reluctance among their patients to seek care. Many healthcare professionals believe that this downturn in appointments, specifically at clinics that serve immigrant populations, is a direct result of the recent crackdown on illegal immigration by the American government.

Some clinics and providers have started going to extreme lengths to ensure that their patients receive the care they need, such as personally delivering prescriptions to the homes of those too frightened to drive to the pharmacy and deal with the paperwork and insurance related questions. Furthermore, as the article details, the ongoing fear of deportation or interrogation has led many immigrants to experience increased psychological issues, many of which have manifested into physical ailments like dizziness, insomnia, stomach aches, and shortness of breath, thus perpetuating the need for proper medical treatment.