sblackburn+FollowImmigration Policy and the Long Wait for HealthcareI came to the U.S. from Latin America more than two years ago. I work at a restaurant during the day and in a warehouse at night. Because my immigration status is still under review, I have no access to any health insurance. Whenever I feel sick, I rely on painkillers and fever medicine to get by. Last winter, I caught pneumonia. I had a high fever for days and could barely breathe. I waited three hours at a community clinic, only to be told the visit would cost hundreds of dollars without insurance. I counted the few bills in my wallet and quietly walked away. That night, I curled up under two blankets, shivering to my bones. I understand healthcare is limited, and many people need it. But I hope immigration policy can find a balance between compassion and reality. We’re not trying to take advantage—we just want a chance to survive when we get sick. #ImmigrationPolicyNow58272Share
Lori Lloyd+FollowImmigration Policy Makes Me Worry About My Child’s FutureMy children were born here and go to school every day with backpacks on. I work low-wage jobs, saving every penny to buy them extra books and supplies. In the mornings, I watch them run into school with friends, feeling both proud and anxious. My uncertain immigration status makes it unclear if we can stay here long-term, and I often lie awake at night wondering: if the policy changes, will my child’s opportunities be affected? Neighbors often say, “Immigration policy affects not just us, but the kids too.” Every time I hear that, it hits me deeply. #ImmigrationPolicyNow680618Share
Holly Lewis+FollowImmigration Status Prevents Me from Accessing Basic BenefitsI’ve been living here for five years, but because of my immigration status, many benefits are off-limits. My child’s dental check-ups have to be at the cheapest clinic, and on weekends there’s no access to extracurricular classes; we just stay home drawing or playing puzzles. I wake up at 5 a.m. every day to make breakfast, walk my child to school, and commute two hours to work at a factory. After work, I help with homework and finally sleep around 10 p.m. Neighbors often see me exhausted and ask, “You pay taxes, so why can’t you get benefits?” I can only smile wryly, feeling both sad and helpless. #ImmigrationPolicyNow10101039Share
