by Aidan Trump ‘21

Senate Republicans have been vocal in expressing their belief that undocumented immigrants should be vaccinated last. Still, the Biden administration has encouraged undocumented immigrants to get the Covid-19 vaccine. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on February 1 that they “fully support equal access to the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine distribution sites for undocumented immigrants. It is a moral and public health imperative.” Republican Rep. Steve Scalise was quick to respond. “Biden’s plan to vaccinate illegal immigrants ahead of Americans who are currently being denied the Covid-19 vaccine is a slap in the face to millions,” said Scalise in a press release. The idea of withholding vaccinations from undocumented immigrants living within our borders is simply preposterous. To stem the spread of Covid-19, all vulnerable groups must be vaccinated. Whether a 61 year old with underlying health conditions is a citizen or not, they deserve a vaccine.

Covid-19 doesn’t care who is a citizen and who is not, it spreads to everyone. Whether Republicans like it or not undocumented immigrants live in the U.S., and contrary to the belief of some, they aren’t freeloaders mooching off government benefits. Many are essential workers on the frontlines. As such undocumented immigrants are at a higher risk of catching and spreading Covid-19. If undocumented immigrants get vaccinated everyone will be safer. It’s a public health crisis, everyone deserves vaccinations.