Immigrant Community Rights in Health and Wellness

Our immigrant community has fundamental rights in the United States, including when it comes to accessing health and wellness services. It is important to know these rights and how to exercise them to ensure their well-being and that of their families.

1. Rights of Access to Medical Care

Emergency Care

• Legal Law: Everyone has the right to receive emergency medical care at hospitals that receive federal funding, regardless of immigration status. This is protected under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).
• What to do: If you need urgent medical attention, go to hospitals such as:
  • Watsonville Community Hospital (Watsonville)
  • Natividad Medical Center (Salinas)
  • Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital (Hollister)
  • Dominican Hospital (Santa Cruz)

Regular Medical Care

• Community Clinics:
  • Undocumented immigrants can access low-cost or free services at community clinics, which do not require proof of immigration status.
  • Key resources:
    • Health for the People (Santa Cruz and Watsonville): Provides medical, dental and mental health care. Visit website
    • Salinas Valley Health Clinic (Monterey): Offers prenatal care, pediatrics and dental services. Visit website
    • San Benito Health Foundation (San Benito): Medical services for farmworkers and families. Visit website

Medi-Cal Programs

• Right to Medi-CalIn California, children, pregnant women, and low-income adults have access to Medi-Cal, regardless of immigration status.
• How to apply: Visit your county social services office:
  • Santa Cruz County Health Services: Enlace
  • Monterey County Social Services: Enlace
  • San Benito County Health Services: Enlace

2. Privacy and Data Protection

Medical Confidentiality

• Your medical information is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Hospitals and clinics they can not share information about your immigration status with ICE without your consent.

Safe Places

• Protected Places: Under the Sensitive Locations Policy, ICE limits enforcement activities to hospitals, schools, and places of worship except in exceptional circumstances.

What to do if ICE shows up at a hospital

1. Stay calm and do not sign any documents without consulting a lawyer.
2. You have the right to remain silent.
3. Ask to speak to a legal representative.

3. Support and Benefits Programs

Nutritional Assistance

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program): Supports pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under five years of age, regardless of immigration status.
  • Registration in your county:
    • Santa Cruz WIC: Enlace
    • Monterey WIC: Enlace
    • St. Benedict WIC: Enlace

CalFresh and Food Banks

• Undocumented parents do not qualify for CalFresh, but their U.S.-born children may be eligible.
• Local Food Banks:
  • Second Harvest Food Bank (Santa Cruz): Provides free food for families in need. Enlace
  • Monterey County Food Bank: Help with food and resources. Enlace
  • Community Food Bank of San Benito: Direct support for San Benito residents. Enlace

Emergency Financial Aid

• UndocuFund Monterey Bay: Provides financial support to undocumented families affected by crises. Visit website