The speed of the news cycle ramped up significantly this week and it’s difficult to keep up. For this week’s Five on Friday, we’re focused on the many immigration policies that have shifted, the health impacts of those shifts, and tools and resources for clinicians, and for patients to protect themselves and their health. 

Esther shared this Brookings Institute analysis and perspective which helps contextualize certain policies over time.  What to Expect on Immigration Policy from a Trump White House

Mónica shared this article from Doctors without Borders delineating how the policy changes are already affecting the health of people who want to exercise their right to ask for asylum and are at the US-Mexico border, according to the clinicians there. MSF Denounces Increased Risks for Migrants following Closure of US Asylum Process

Kaethe sent Immigration Defense Project's Emergency Preparedness page, which is a helpful list for patients at risk of deportation, and includes important considerations on medical needs like medical records transfer and childcare needs to ensure children stay safe. It is also available in Spanish and includes a printable version (look for "Print this page”). Emergency Preparedness for Those at Risk of Deportation 

What are the consequences of removing hospitals from protection from ICE activity? Claire shared this perspective from STAT News, which is also available in Spanish. Allowing ICE in Hospitals is a Public Health Catastrophe in the Making

Weekly Win: Mónica forwarded this KFF article which reminds us the first and foremost duty of clinicians: To care for all people in their time of need, regardless of their immigration status. And many clinics are standing up to make sure patients are cared for. “None of this changes the care patients receive,” said Carrie Williams, a spokesperson for the Texas Hospital Association. “We don’t want people to avoid care and worsen because they are concerned about immigration questions.” As States Diverge on Immigration, Hospitals Say They Won’t Turn Patients Away

Have a safe and healthy weekend!