A recent surge in immigration enforcement has driven many patients, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds, to avoid in-person medical appointments, leading to a significant reliance on telehealth services. According to pediatrician Jacob Sweidan, who has spent 40 years serving low-income families in Southern California, the fear of seeking medical care has reached unprecedented levels. He noted that patients are becoming increasingly ill due to their reluctance to visit clinics, a trend that has emerged sharply following the rescindment of a Biden-era policy that protected sensitive locations from immigration raids.
Sweidan, who operates five clinics in Los Angeles and Orange counties, expressed concern over the growing number of patients who only seek help when their conditions become critical. He recounted instances where children with serious health issues, such as a 14-year-old boy on the verge of a diabetic coma, ended up in emergency rooms after delaying care out of fear. “They are scared to come to the offices. They’re getting sicker and sicker,” he said.
Telehealth Services Experience Surge
As the climate of fear surrounding immigration raids intensifies, many health care providers have reverted to telehealth services that had previously been discontinued. Jim Mangia, president and CEO of St. John’s Community Health, reported that virtual visits have increased from 8% to 25% of appointments in recent months. The organization, which serves approximately 30,000 patients without legal status each year, has also begun offering in-home health visits funded by private donors.
Health officials across the nation are echoing these sentiments. Sara Rosenbaum, a professor emerita at George Washington University, indicated that no community health center remains unaffected by the drop in in-person visits among immigrant patients. Fear is not confined to those without legal status; many naturalized citizens also express concerns about potential repercussions while seeking medical care.
Challenges and Legislative Responses
The increased reliance on telehealth, while beneficial in the short term, raises several challenges. Patients face difficulties with technology, language barriers, and limited internet access. Isabel Becerra, CEO of the Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers, pointed out that telehealth cannot replace the necessity of in-person visits for certain medical needs, such as lab work.
As the situation unfolds, Los Angeles County supervisors have directed agencies to explore expanded virtual appointment options. Additionally, state lawmakers are considering measures to restrict immigration agents’ access to sensitive locations, similar to legislation recently enacted in Colorado. These developments come as federal officials continue to face legal challenges over their tactics during immigration raids, with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently upholding a restraining order against certain enforcement practices.
The overall impact of these immigration policies is likely to lead to increased reliance on emergency rooms for care, as many families forgo regular check-ups. Nicole Lamoureux, president of the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics, emphasized that the health care safety net will be further strained as demand for services rises.
In this environment of heightened anxiety, patients are finding creative ways to access care. V.M., a naturalized citizen living in southeast Los Angeles County, relies on her roommate to help with errands, expressing her fears of being targeted during outings. She has taken to virtual therapy sessions for her depression, a condition exacerbated by her chronic health issues.
Ultimately, the ongoing situation has created a “fear pandemic” within the immigrant community, as articulated by Seciah Aquino, executive director of the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California. While telehealth offers a temporary solution, the long-term implications for public health remain concerning, as many individuals continue to avoid necessary medical care due to fear.
This article draws on reporting from KFF Health News, which produces in-depth journalism about health issues and operates independently as part of the California Health Care Foundation.