The clinics are underfunded, and most workers do not report injuries or illnesses because of their undocumented status, said Rick Mines, a researcher with the California Institute for Rural Studies. In a report, Mr. Mines said migrant workers' precarious status in American society makes it difficult to extend health care and insurance to them. Even legal workers, he said, shy away from disclosing the origins of injury or illness because they fear retaliation by employers. As a result, health care is generally the migrant worker's lowest priority. We had plenty of mint tea, and some of the men knew of herbs that could make you feel better.
Mexican immigrants working near the border regularly cross into Mexico for low-cost health care.
But as immigrants increasingly find work in other parts of the country, farther from the border, paying for their own health care becomes more difficult. The Mexican government now provides health plans for the families of migrants working abroad. He predicted that the Fox administration will find solutions during the president's six-year term. Inc. All Rights Reserved.