FORBES – The Department of Homeland Security promised Monday to keep immigration agents away from coronavirus vaccination clinics,
The policy aims to relieve some undocumented immigrants’ fears that getting vaccinated could put them in legal jeopardy.
The policy is a notable shift from former President Donald Trump’s approach to enforcing immigration laws.
In a statement, DHS said undocumented immigrants should have equal access to coronavirus vaccines, calling it a “moral and public health imperative.”
The agency promised U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will not carry out any enforcement activity near vaccine sites, including clinics the Federal Emergency Management Agency is expected to set up under President Joe Biden’s administration.
DHS says it does not conduct immigration actions near hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities except “in the most extraordinary of circumstances,” a policy dating back to former President Barack Obama’s administration.
“DHS is committed to ensuring that every individual who needs a vaccine can get one, regardless of their immigration status,” DHS said in a statement.
As Pfizer and Moderna’s coronavirus vaccines are distributed nationwide, some advocates warn undocumented immigrants could be tough to reach.
Many people who lack legal status worry that going to a vaccination clinic could leave them exposed to federal immigration authorities …
Click source below to read more.
