There are many existing barriers to accessing and receiving quality healthcare in the state of Florida. While Floridians, including those with a regulated immigration status, pay taxes and contribute to the economy, many do not qualify for healthcare coverage. Those navigating the immigration system often experience hesitation in accessing emergency medical services, which is detrimental to public health and all Floridians. 

Newly passed legislation, SB 1718, and its requirement for hospitals and emergency departments to ask about the citizenship status of all patients upon admission or ER intake is already having a chilling effect on the immigrant community, who may fear that accessing medical care could result in being turned in to immigration authorities and being separated from their families. 

As an individual committed to justice for all in our state, I commit to standing in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors by exercising my right according to the law to Decline to Answer questions about my citizenship status, whether I am an immigrant or non-immigrant.

By signing this pledge, I commit to doing my part in spreading the “Decline to Answer” call to action and resisting harmful policies in Florida.