Fewer immigrants seek healthcare due to concern over ICE enforcement efforts

Nearly 40% of U.S. pediatricians believe they are seeing fewer immigrant families for medical care due to concerns of immigration and custom enforcement efforts, an American Academy of Pediatrics survey found. Approximately one-third (31.3%) say fewer families applied to government programs, and 21.3% say some families have stopped sending their children to school.. Meanwhile, a federal rule slated to take effect this week could deny green cards to immigrants who rely on public assistance for healthcare, food, housing and other basic needs. Democratic-led states and cities filed lawsuits challenging the rule. (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy news brief, 9/15/26)