A recent study conducted by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research reveals alarming statistics about low-income immigrant adults in California. According to the research, which was released on Thursday, more than one in seven individuals in this demographic decided against applying for or utilizing public services due to fears that doing so might jeopardize their own or their family’s immigration status.
This study utilized data from the 2025 California Health Interview Survey, which highlighted that 15% of immigrant adults whose family income falls below 200% of the federal poverty level are opting out of essential public benefits such as Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, or CalFresh, the state’s food assistance program. This figure marks an increase from the 11% reported in 2024.
The Center points out that for a family of four, an income level of 200% above the federal poverty line in 2025 equates to $64,300.
Joelle Wolstein, a research scientist at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, commented on the findings, stating, “The issue isn’t with the benefits themselves but rather the anxiety individuals face over how utilizing these benefits may impact their chances of achieving immigration status in the future.”
The study identified specific groups that are more likely to avoid public benefits due to concerns about their immigration status. Families with children, non-citizens, adults aged 18 to 39, and immigrants residing in the U.S. for less than ten years are the most affected.
Among low-income non-citizen adults in California, a staggering 25% reported that worries about their immigration status led them to forgo public assistance. In sharp contrast, only 5% of naturalized citizens within the same income bracket expressed such concerns regarding their eligibility for benefits.
The data for this study was collected before the new public charge standards went into effect on September 18. Under these recent guidelines, immigration officials have been granted broad discretion in determining whether an applicant might become a public charge. This includes consideration of whether individuals use non-cash benefits like Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and housing assistance.
Susan H. Babey, the center’s research director and co-author of the summary report, remarked on the implications of the study, stating, “The recent policy changes have exacerbated existing fears, even among families who qualify for certain assistance. They worry that using public benefits could negatively impact their immigration status.”
This growing concern underscores the importance of addressing the barriers faced by immigrant communities in accessing vital services, which can have a profound effect on their ability to receive necessary healthcare and support. As these issues continue to unfold, it is crucial for policymakers to reconsider the implications of public charge standards and their impact on vulnerable populations.