Congress called to address health, safety of illegal immigrants

The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons has sent an open letter to Congress, requesting they address the health and safety of illegal immigrants, those caring for them, and those living in communities that house immigrants who have crossed the border.

A recent surge in illegal border crossings, especially by unaccompanied children, may cause a serious public health crisis, according to the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS). This population has a high risk for bringing harmful diseases, such as measles and dengue, to vulnerable communities.

Physicians should be concerned about all of those involved: Illegal immigrants, their caregivers, and the communities to which they are sent.

The letter includes a number of questions for federal officials, including:

Where migrants originate from;
Are health screenings conducted, and if so, what are their results;
Are proper sanitary and isolation practices observed in transport vehicles, reception centers and shelters to avoid transmission;
How will contact tracing be conducted if disease is discovered after a migrant has entered a community;
How emergency treatment handled.

“This does not look like a spontaneous flight of refugees from an unpublicized war in Central America. Nor does it look as though deep-pocketed investors have suddenly become great humanitarians,” Jane M. Orient, MD, executive director of AAPS, said in a press release.

James M. Perrin

The AAP also released a statement calling for immediate attention to this issue.

“The increase in unaccompanied children crossing the US border is a humanitarian crisis that warrants immediate and sustained action from the highest levels of government. President Obama’s request for additional resources, nearly half of which would go to the Department of Health and Human Services to address the issue, underscores the urgency of the situation,” James M. Perrin, MD, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said in the statement.

“The AAP and our state chapters remain deeply concerned and committed to caring for these children, ensuring whenever possible that they are united with family, and advocating that all children have legal representation during immigration proceedings. Pediatricians stand ready to work with federal agencies responsible for coordinating the response,” he concluded.