A Cuban resident of Miami, who visited a hospital after a household accident, reported that he was questioned about his immigration status before receiving medical attention. Jimmy Roque Martínez, who is fortunate enough to be a U.S. citizen, expressed outrage over this experience in the emergency room, as he was asked about his status before seeing a doctor.
"I was extremely upset and didn't hesitate to voice my indignation. I asked why they would ask such a question and whether this information was shared with immigration authorities," he shared on his Facebook page.
The incident struck Roque as not only absurd but also concerning. "How many vulnerable individuals have faced the same situation and felt too afraid to seek medical care?" he pondered. Roque described the U.S. healthcare system as a "disaster, ensnared in bureaucracy, exorbitant costs, and the politicization of basic rights."
In his view, supporters of President Trump back policies that breed discrimination and fear, leading many undocumented individuals to avoid hospitals out of fear of being targeted or pursued, thereby endangering their lives. "Policies promoted by DeSantis, Trump, and other Republican leaders continue to attack entire communities, placing ideology above humanity. How long will this reality persist? Healthcare is a right, not a privilege contingent upon a person's origin or documentation," he concluded.
Back in Cuba, Roque worked within the healthcare system and became a vocal critic of the country's situation due to a lack of medications. As an activist for the Cuban LGBTI+ community, he faced repression and was even violently detained alongside his partner during the independent march against homophobia in Havana in 2019.
Questions About Healthcare and Immigration in the U.S.
Why was Jimmy Roque Martínez questioned about his immigration status?
Jimmy Roque Martínez was questioned about his immigration status before receiving medical attention at a Miami hospital, raising concerns about discrimination and the sharing of such information with immigration authorities.
What are the implications of immigration status questions in emergency rooms?
Asking about immigration status in emergency rooms can create fear among undocumented individuals, deterring them from seeking necessary medical care and putting their health at risk.
How does Roque view the U.S. healthcare system?
Roque views the U.S. healthcare system as a disaster plagued by bureaucracy, high costs, and the politicization of fundamental rights, which he believes contributes to discrimination against vulnerable communities.