Immigration Surge at Southern Border Presents Significant Health Risks for Everyone

News Article

By Nick McGee

The recent surge of immigrants at the Southern Border is more than just a result of the President's bad policy; it is a humanitarian crisis with the potential of causing a health emergency in America.

Recently, Dr. Bucshon stated:

"As a physician, I have concerns about the serious health risks everyone faces if the President continues to not act -- this includes those people coming into the United States and the local communities."

Respected physician Dr. Manny Alvarez recently wrote that processing facilities are not sufficiently screening the thousands of people who have crossed the border for things like tuberculosis and that the necessary steps are not being taken to prevent the spread of serious diseases.

"State health officials touring one of the detention centers in Texas recently reported several issues including a lack of medicine for children, and insufficient medical screenings and testing for vaccinations or tuberculosis. They also noted that the children in the facility ate, slept and used the bathroom in the same crowded areas with no running water or soap for proper hygiene to prevent the spread of disease." (Fox News; 7-7-14)

Not properly identifying medical issues of course also does not allow these adults and children to be treated for their conditions in a caring and effective manor further deepening this developing humanitarian crisis.

The President should engage Congress immediately to help formulate a bipartisan solution to the crisis and stop insisting on amnesty for those who have violated our immigration laws.

As the President continues to put off action, the situation worsens.

The National Review reports that over 40 immigrants at one detention center in San Diego have active cases of scabies. The news outlet also reports concerns from border patrol agents that FEMA management is more concerned with processing and transferring people than preventing the spread of such diseases into the community and treating those who may be suffering.

According to the agent the individuals being released, "go out in the community, get on the public transportation, go where they need to go, and it could result in another infestation of scabies being spread everywhere." (National Review; 7-7-14)

With all the health and security concerns at the border, Border Patrol agents report that they have been placed under gag orders to prevent the men and women on the ground from painting a real picture of what is occurring. This includes concerns about the humanitarian needs of the children and families and that the situation is preventing many agents from actually patrolling and securing the border increasing national security risks.

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