RNs oppose Department of Homeland Security proposed public charge regulations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 2018
Contact: Carl Ginsburg, carl.ginsburg@nysna.org, 347.504.2701
New York, NY — Frontline nurses of the New York State Nurses Association, the oldest union and organization of RNs in the nation, are forthright in their commitment to providing vital healthcare to our patients and communities. Nurses have both a legal and ethical obligation to protect the public’s health.
NYSNA nurses consider the proposed Department of Homeland Security regulations to be draconian, cruel and disruptive, and nurses stand in strong opposition to its implementation. NYSNA’s formal opposition was submitted on December 7, 2018.
Click here to read the NYSNA submission in opposition.
The proposed regulations will strip healthcare from millions of New York patients and disrupt the financial stability of hospitals and other essential healthcare providers. Nurses believe that the proposed regulations constitute an ill-conceived and punitive policy and that no legitimate immigration matters are at issue. Further, nurses say that the proposal will serve to undermine the viability of critical public health and safety net hospital infrastructure.
“This proposal appeals to the worst values in our nation and is punitive and harmful in the extreme. Immigrants add to our economy and cultural diversity. To effectively remove healthcare services from the men, women and children covered by this regulation moves us in the wrong direction: away from a civil society committed to the public’s health. It would, as well, strike at the foundations of the very institutions we have built and served to protect a critical public health mission. We urge its rejection in the strongest terms possible.” Judith Cutchin, RN, NYSNA Board Member and President, NYSNA’s Health + Hospitals/Mayorals Executive Council
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The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) represents more than 43,000 members in New York State. We are New York’s largest union and professional association for registered nurses. For more information, please visit nysna.org.