Statement on Immigration Enforcement Actions in Hospitals and Schools

Jan. 28, 2025 

Statement on Immigration Enforcement Actions in Hospitals and Schools 

The New York State Nurses Association released the following statement regarding the federal policy change on immigration enforcement in “sensitive locations” including hospitals and schools: 

Nurses’ first duty is to care for and to advocate for our patients.  NYSNA nurses care for all New Yorkers—regardless of immigration status, income or insurance status, race, religion, ability or disability, sexuality, or gender identity or expression—simply regardless.  

We are concerned that the recent Trump administration executive order overturning the long-standing status of hospitals, healthcare facilities and schools as “sensitive locations” generally excluded from immigration enforcement will harm our immigrant patients’ health by deterring sick people from seeking medical care. We are also concerned this policy will harm public health, as untreated illnesses will circulate more widely in our communities if people do not seek the care they need. 

Despite the recent policy change, federal law is clear that all patients have the right to seek emergency medical care and all patients’ private medical information, including immigration status, is protected.  

Hospitals, healthcare facilities and schools should remain places of care, healing and learning. As a union comprised of nurses and healthcare professionals from all backgrounds, NYSNA nurses affirm our commitment to delivering quality care for all New Yorkers, including our immigrant neighbors and children.