The short answer to this question is yes. All residents of the United States will receive the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of their immigration status, country of origin, citizenship or any other criterion that might seem to be exclusionary.
President Joe Biden's administration emphasized the importance of vaccination in response to the pandemic; however, it faces several challenges, one of which is double distrust among immigrants, who in addition to possible vaccine side effects, are also concerned that they may become a simple target for immigration authorities.
For this reason, we remind you that if you go to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and it is denied to you or you experience repercussions due to your immigration status, a crime will be committed for which we can defend you.
By calling 1800 201 1220 or writing to us via WhatsApp, you will receive immediate free legal advice from experts in the field at Conexión Legal. Additionally, we will put at your disposal the service of an ethical, human and reliable attorney.
The United States government announced that it will not routinely arrest undocumented immigrants at coronavirus vaccination sites, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated in a statement: "Ensuring that everyone living in the United States has access to vaccines is a moral and public health imperative." It also encourages everyone, regardless of their immigration status, to get vaccinated against coronavirus if they meet the allocation guidelines in their city.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the establishment of a temporary vaccination center to assist clinics and hospitals in administering vaccines.
A policy of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) prohibits the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from making arrests in "sensitive locations" (including hospitals, health clinics and medical offices), except in "special circumstances".
The statement said that vaccination sites are considered "sensitive locations," so they are not within the scope of measures that prohibit illegal immigration.
Immigration advocacy groups have expressed concern that undocumented immigrants will avoid vaccination for fear of being detained, which may mean they still pose a threat to the rest of the population.
Currently, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, the United States has recorded a total of 26.1 million coronavirus cases and over 440,000 deaths, which remains the country with the highest rate of incidence in the world.
In January alone, 90,000 people died, a record number of deaths in a month since the pandemic began.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) stated that "they do not conduct immigration operations where vaccines are used," which is part of the agency's identification of sensitive locations.
According to official data, a large number of undocumented immigrants live in communities most affected by the virus. However, the fear that Father Arias refers to may prevent these people from deciding to get vaccinated, which could negatively affect President Biden's vaccination campaign goals against the new coronavirus.
White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain warned that the previous Trump administration did not develop a vaccine dose distribution plan, and that Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), admitted that one of the biggest problems they now face is that they cannot be sure of "how many vaccines" they have.
Anthony Fauci, the United States' chief epidemiologist, drew attention to the need to prioritize underserved communities when implementing the country's vaccination plan. Fauci said they did not want the majority of people who initially received the vaccine to be "middle-class white people".
If you find yourself in a situation of fear or your rights have already been violated, contact Conexión Legal as soon as possible to receive the necessary legal advice and the attention of a professional attorney specialized in your case.
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