Access to Healthcare for Immigrant Youth
In a Nutshell
Yes. Healthcare is a basic human right for everyone. Healthcare providers like hospitals and doctors should not refuse to treat you solely because of your immigration status or any assumptions they may make about your immigration status because of how you talk or look. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act requires emergency rooms at hospitals to check you for an emergency medical condition and to treat any emergency condition, regardless of your immigration status and whether you have health insurance or can pay for treatment.
Written by American Bar Association (ABA). Legally reviewed by American Bar Association (ABA).
Updated on July 11, 2025
Yes. Healthcare is a basic human right for everyone. Healthcare providers like hospitals and doctors should not refuse to treat you solely because of your immigration status or any assumptions they may make about your immigration status because of how you talk or look. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act requires emergency rooms at hospitals to check you for an emergency medical condition and to treat any emergency condition, regardless of your immigration status and whether you have health insurance or can pay for treatment.