Statement from Lupe M. Rodríguez, Executive Director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, on the current government shutdown 

“Last night, Congress failed to keep our government funded, putting our communities’ health and well-being at risk. Let’s be very clear: immigrants are not to blame for this shutdown. Undocumented immigrants have never had access to federal funds for Medicaid or other federal healthcare programs that they help fund, and the harmful provisions of HR1 further eroded healthcare access for many lawfully present immigrant communities. A shutdown will only deepen the crisis, leaving people working to make ends meet without their paychecks and weakening our already fragile healthcare system.

“Our communities and the country deserve better. The Latina Institute will continue to fight for policies like the HEAL for Immigrant Families Act that expand healthcare for everyone, including immigrant communities, so that families and individuals can stay healthy and thrive. We call on Congress to prioritize the health and dignity of all families.”