Would like facts about Illegals and free medical care.

[chelaque liberal]

I hear it at least once a week here in Eastern TN, someone complaining about "the Mexicans" getting free medical care while they have to go without. It doesn't make any sense to me-like they walk into the doctor's office and say, "I'm here illegally so you have to take care of me."

Can anyone give me facts I can use the next time I hear it?

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. Unless they are dying or critically ill

they don't get free care.

[Warren Stupidity]

2. 'They' are human beings.

Any human being who enters an emergency room with a life threatening condition deserves, and in all states as far as I know, is obliged to receive, medical care.

Your complaining friend has most likely decided that anybody who looks hispanic is 'an illegal'. How would you know the immigration status of an individual by looking at them?

[chelaque liberal]

Good point, but they are just as sure that all hispanics are illegal

as they are that they get free medical care.

It's not just one "friend." I'm finding that it becomes the topic of conversation at some point when ever more than 3 people get together. Their hate isn't limited to concerns about medical care either.

[The Straight Story]

3. I think what they mean (and I could well be wrong on this)

Is that while you and I can walk into a hospital and get emergency care without having insurance, or having to pay for it if we are too poor it is eventually paid for by other Americans via higher premiums , tax write offs, etc and so on - people who are in the system.

Since illegals aren't generally seen as being in the system (some are) it means that we end up paying for their health care while as a group those who are here illegally don't end up paying for it (their money is under the table, they don't pay health care premiums, etc and so on).

AGAIN - I am guessing that is what people mean by it.

And personally, I don't want that to change (people being able to get the care they need). Humans are humans, whether they are here with the government's blessing or not. I would rather pay more then to have some little kid suffering and dying.

[Warren Stupidity]

6. No they mean they saw MEXICANS getting medical care.

And they are PISSED. MEXICANS! It is not so complicated.

[pwb]

4. It is an invented issue. thank limpballs, oreilly ,and the neocons.

They make shit up.....

[BlooInBloo]

8. And thanks MOST OF ALL to wonderful intelligent DUers who go along with it....

... And all wonderful democrats like that everywhere.

[Lars39]

5. Here you go:

http://www.justiceforimmigrants.org/myths.html

[chelaque liberal]

7. Excellent. Thank you.

[Lars39]

9. You're welcome!

I hear it in west TN, too. Lou Dobbs' has beat that drum for over a year now, and you can really see the results. :(