Expanding Healthcare Access for the Undocumented Immigrant Community: The HEAL for Immigrant Families Act of 2023

When it comes to the topic of universal healthcare, most of us will readily agree that healthcare is a human right. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of who should be granted this right, and if it should be left to the free market to determine access and affordability. Specifically, the political debate on expanding healthcare access to undocumented immigrants in the United States revolve around concerns over costs, legality, and equity. Proponents maintain that it is a human right whereas opponents question the potential burden on taxpayers and the implication for immigration policy. The HEAL for Immigrant Families Act was proposed in July 2023 with the aim of expanding health care access for undocumented immigrants. The Act includes several provisions that seek to lift current legal restrictions, such as the state plan option, which I will analyze further in this white paper.