Nursing homes ignore immigration rules funded by taxpayers.
HawkMed Services
Advocating for stricter enforcement of existing laws and Florida Medicaid Reform Now!
Require Florida Nursing Homes to comply with ICE and require US Citizenship for admission into Florida Nursing Homes when using Florida Medicaid payments.
Surprisingly, Florida, known for strict immigration policies, has no specific regulations requiring nursing homes to verify immigration status, unlike hospitals under SB 1718, which mandates status inquiries.
Undocumented immigrants, estimated at around 775,000 in Florida. Florida's immigration policies, such as SB 1718 signed in May 2023, require hospitals receiving Medicaid or CHIP funding to collect patient immigration status information, but no similar mandate exists for nursing homes.
This gap suggests potential oversight, as nursing homes are regulated under Chapter 400, Part II, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 59A-4, Florida Administrative Code, with no explicit immigration status verification requirement. Before removal if needed, Doctor, nursing staff and ICE will assess each case for health needs, frailty level, and family support.
Prevention of Re-immigration Before Nursing Home Admission
Many individuals are admitted to nursing homes without proper identification, often relying solely on the word of the individual or their family members to verify identity.
This practice, while sometimes necessary in urgent situations, creates significant risks in a setting where vulnerable elderly patients reside. Without verified identification, it becomes difficult to ensure the safety and security of residents, as unverified individuals could potentially pose threats such as fraud, abuse, or even harm to others.
Proper identification protocols are essential to protect the well-being of elderly patients, maintain accurate medical records, and uphold the integrity of care facilities. Implementing stricter verification processes can help mitigate these risks and create a safer environment for all residents.
The Trump administration’s recent executive orders, like the one targeting taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants, aim to deter long-term stays by limiting access to resources.
Florida has recently ramped up immigration enforcement efforts, with Governor Ron DeSantis signing bills in February 2025 that allocate funds to assist federal deportation efforts and impose harsher penalties for undocumented individuals committing crimes.
Some argue that elderly undocumented immigrants in nursing homes have likely been in the U.S. for years, contributing to communities through work or family ties. However the use of TPS status has been abused in Flordia and elderly individuals from Haiti, Honduras, Venezuela and ElSavador.
Venezuelans, TPS status under the 2021 designation, may lose there protections as early as September 10, 2025. Haiti's TPS will end on August 3, 2025, unless extended. TPS is a humanitarian program that provides temporary relief to people who cannot safely return to their home countries due to dangerous conditions.
Nursing homes should be required to verify residency status more rigorously, perhaps through coordination with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This might involve mandatory reporting of suspected undocumented residents to authorities, followed by removal proceedings if their status is confirmed.
Prevention involves stricter admission checks to verify legal status
Nursing homes need to tighten admission processes requiring robust proof of legal residency—like a Social Security number and state-issued ID—before accepting residents could filter out undocumented individuals upfront. But this assumes facilities have the staff and incentive to comply, especially smaller, underfunded ones that might overlook paperwork for the sake of filling beds.
A mix of tighter verification at nursing homes, increased state-federal coordination, and broader immigration deterrence could shrink the issue over time. Undocumented immigrants in Florida nursing homes can be safely removed if they are frail but not medically needy, with alternative care arranged.
In Search of Safety: Undocumented People Living in Nursing Homes
Advocating for Florida Medicaid Reform. Florida Medicaid currently funds long-term nursing home care for individuals costing taxpayers $300 per day per resident at 704 of Florida's Nursing Homes. At HawkMed Services, our mission is to support low-income Florida seniors by advocating for Medicaid reform and raising legislative awareness. Join us in creating a safer, more equitable, and sustainable healthcare system for all Floridians.
Shared Spaces, Unequal Needs: Re-immigration and Seniors in Nursing Homes
A targeted amnesty or legal status adjustment for individuals already in care could provide a pathway for them to access Medicaid legally, ensuring they receive the healthcare coverage they need. This approach would not only improve access to essential medical services but also alleviate financial burdens on nursing homes and healthcare providers. By addressing the legal status of those in care, this solution promotes fairness, supports public health, and strengthens the healthcare system.
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Organizations like our HawkMed Services in Florida work to improve nursing home conditions. Join our efforts to amplify your voice.
