Medical professionals across the United States are expressing concern about the effects of immigration enforcement policies on children’s health and access to care. A survey conducted between April and June 2026 by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that two in five pediatricians have observed families declining to seek medical attention because of immigration-related worries. Additionally, 30% of respondents reported encounters with families reluctant to apply for public health assistance programs such as Medicaid, and noted cases of parents keeping children out of school.
The reluctance to seek care has already manifested in serious health consequences. Medical professionals reported cases of children experiencing severe health crises that could have been prevented with earlier intervention. One documented case involved a child with asthma whose parent delayed seeking care due to fears about immigration enforcement, resulting in the child’s condition deteriorating to the point of requiring emergency helicopter transport and hospitalization. Parents have expressed concerns about multiple aspects of accessing medical services, from traveling to clinics to potentially encountering immigration enforcement at hospitals and in transit.
Recent policy changes have intensified these concerns. As of this week, immigration officials evaluating entry and residency applications began considering a broader array of public benefits received by applicants and their family members, including programs like Medicare and SNAP. This shift represents a departure from previous administrations’ approaches and has prompted legal action. Twenty-two states and the District of Columbia have filed a joint lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, contending that the new interpretation could deter people from accessing essential health services.
Medical professionals warn that the long-term health implications extend beyond immigrant communities. Doctors have cited concerns about preventable disease spread, citing previous measles outbreaks when vaccination rates declined due to fears about government interaction. They also anticipate increases in serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes if patients delay necessary medical screening and treatment. The broader public health implications underscore concerns that avoidance of routine medical care could affect disease surveillance and community health outcomes across all populations.
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