Are Immigration Raids Sending Patients Online?
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By
August 14, 2025
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9 min
Dr. Jacob Sweidan, a pediatrician in Southern California, has witnessed a significant decline in patient visits among immigrant families due to heightened fear from immigration enforcement. Over his 40-year career, he has never seen such a drop, attributing it to both the political climate and policies that deter vulnerable populations from seeking care. Many patients, including those with serious health conditions, avoid clinics out of fear. Telehealth has been reinstated by healthcare providers to aid these families, but concerns remain about accessibility and the long-term effectiveness of virtual care.
1. Dr. Sweidan reports a drop in immigrant patient visits. 2. Immigrants fear seeking care due to immigration enforcement. 3. Telehealth has been reinstated by clinics to assist patients. 4. St. John's clinics now provide in-home health visits. 5. Increased ER visits expected as a result of fear and care avoidance. 6. Telehealth faces barriers such as technology access among patients. 7. Community health centers are adapting strategies from the COVID-19 response.
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