Statement attributable to:
Barbara L. McAneny, M.D., President, American Medical Association
"The American Medical Association (AMA) believes every individual deserves timely, accessible, quality health care, nutrition and housing. Yet, the potential policy changes will likely reverse the public health gains we have made in the last several decades in areas such as vaccinations, control of infectious diseases, and access to healthier foods.
"Denying vital services to recent immigrants is no way to ensure they become productive citizens. Rather, it forces them to make choices about health care that may harm their families and worsen public health.
"Physicians from every state and specialty this year reaffirmed their opposition to these proposed changes, recognizing that they would decrease access to medical care and health insurance for immigrants. We urge the Administration to rethink these changes before moving forward."