I saw some figures recently showing there were just over 10m illegal immigrants living in the US, with over 500k under 16. I know each country has different processes for handling these residents, but how is this done in the US?
For example if there is a baby who moves to the US as an illegal immigrant, would they eventually be given permanent residency? And could they still access schools and healthcare while growing up? Just curious really, thanks!
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[All children in the US have the right to a public education regardless of immigration status.](https://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/access-education-rule-law)
>The Court explained that “education has a fundamental role in maintaining the fabric of our society” and “provides the basic tools by which individuals might lead economically productive lives to the benefit of us all.”
Theyre allowed access to public education and no one can be denied emergency care.
For healthcare they will go to an E.R. for acute issues. That will be free or they will pay what they are able.
They will have problems getting care for ongoing chronic issues though. Free clinics exist, but aren’t ubiquitous.
K-12 public schools are based on residency, not citizenship.
Health care can be accessed in a variety of ways. Paying in cash is definitely doable for clinics and urgent cares, and some may even discount a visit by a good amount if paying up front. Emergency rooms don’t deny services to anyone, and paying afterwards can be handled by cash payments, grants, some hospitals may write off a portion of it, or just stick them completely with the bill.
It’ll be far more difficult to access ongoing treatment from specialists like oncologists and cardiologists without insurance or money.
No, having a baby in the US doesn’t mean you cut in line to get permanent residency.
>For example if there is a baby who moves to the US as an illegal immigrant, would they eventually be given permanent residency?
You do not get permanent residency by simply being in the country illegally for x amount of years. They would need to apply for a green card.
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>And could they still access schools and healthcare while growing up
Yes this is available to illegal immigrants as well.
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In some states (like CA) they can also get drivers licenses.
Schools and hospitals are not deputized as immigration enforcement and don’t check your legal right to be in the country
There is nothing that stops an immigrant, illegal or not, to seek medical attention. This isn’t odd for America or any country.
Public education is available to all people regardless of status. That is something that is somewhat unique to America.
All children are entitled to an education in the US.
As for health care, you do not have to be here legally to buy health insurance. In California, if an undocumented person meets certain criteria, they can also be eligible for MediCal.
While healthcare is expensive in the US nobody can be denied healthcare because of inability to pay. Most doctors, nurses and personnel want to help people.
Schools receive funding per student so the more students they have the better off they are. So most schools are pretty open about letting children in as long as they reside in the district.
That said several families tend to be wary of accessing these services. They don’t know if schools or hospitals co-ordinate w/ ICE, or how they’ll be treated. Honestly I haven’t seen any examples but I wouldn’t be surprised if some people in these fields find ways to discriminate against these families because of political feelings towards immigration.