REPLY
Immigrants and Health Care
Caswell A. Evans Jr., DDS, MPH
15 September 1995 | Volume 123 Issue 6 | Page 476
IN RESPONSE:
I appreciate the validation and additional thoughts my article provoked. We are only beginning to see the possible ramifications of Proposition 187.
One interesting and unforeseen outcome to the ballot measure is the record number of persons applying for citizenship. According to the Los Angeles Times, "citizenship applications ... are up 500% from just a year ago—triggered in part by an inflamed political climate after the passage of Proposition 187" [1]. The intent of Proposition 187 was to discourage people from entering this country illegally. It has had the opposite effect; ever increasing numbers of persons could soon have "legal" eligibility, beyond their ethical eligibility for regular public health services.
An injunction has been issued on the implementation of most of the elements of Proposition 187. The case itself is scheduled to be heard in federal court this fall. We are at the beginning of what probably will be a protracted and divisive struggle to protect the rights of all persons to services that prevent disease and protect and promote health. If we cannot guarantee individual health, how can we hope to guarantee public health?
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Author and Article Information
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Public Health Programs and Services, Los Angeles, CA 90012
1. McDonnell PJ. Applications for citizenship soar in L.A. Los Angeles Times. 10 April 1995.
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