President Trump’s Executive Orders on Immigration and Immigrant Rights Will Put Coloradans’ Health at Risk
DENVER— Amid the fallout of President Donald J. Trump’s executive orders on immigration and so-called “sanctuary cities,” Joe Sammen, Executive Director of Center for Health Progress released the below statement:
“The physical and mental health of Colorado’s immigrant communities are being threatened by President Trump’s executive orders, which ultimately threatens our state’s well-being. Immigrant families already face significant barriers to accessing health care, and the additional uncertainty now will only make the situation worse. Changes in immigration status, fear of deportation, and mistrust of our institutions hinder immigrants’ ability to work, learn, and live healthy lives. These Coloradans are major drivers of our economy and contributors to the rich fabric of our communities, and we cannot allow them to be further marginalized.”
“When our immigrant relatives, business owners, students, and community members suffer, we all do. Working hard, working together, and helping our neighbors has always been The Colorado Way—we have a responsibility to our immigrant neighbors to ensure equal access to health care and opportunities to live a healthy and productive life. Anything less will damage our economy and limit our potential.”
“At Center for Health Progress, we are more committed than ever to working with state and local leaders, community members, advocates, and health care providers to improve the health of all Coloradans. Providing better health care for our immigrant and refugee communities isn’t an ideological argument, it’s an economic, social, and public health necessity. As a nation of immigrants, we hope the Trump administration and Colorado’s elected officials will recognize the great value our immigrant communities continue to have and seek opportunities to support their good health.”
For more information, please contact us at weare@centerforhealthprogress.org.