Shelter Sickness: Migrants See Health Problems Linger and Worsen While Waiting at the Border

August 17, 2022

(Kaiser Health News) – Three years ago, Mexico had few shelters for migrants making their way to the U.S. People seeking asylum, like Alpizar and her family, presented themselves to U.S. authorities and were usually either detained in American facilities or released on parole while they awaited their proceedings. In either case, they had potential access to the U.S. health care system. But a constellation of U.S. immigration policies, a growing number of asylum seekers and refugees, and the covid-19 pandemic have transformed Mexican border towns into holding areas for people who are waiting for policies to change and are hoping to cross and head north. (Read More)