Immigrant Adults Avoid Public Programs in California

Fear over immigration status is pushing more low-income immigrant adults in California away from public benefits, a UCLA study finds.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Immigration

Immigrant Adults Avoid Public Programs in California

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Should immigrants be able to use public health and food programs without fear of immigration consequences?

In 2025, 15% of California immigrant adults with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level avoided public programs, up from 11% in 2024. Avoidance was driven by concerns that participation could affect their own or a family member's immigration status.

Why it matters

Low-income immigrants who avoid public programs reported higher rates of delayed medical care, unfilled prescriptions, and food and housing insecurity. The findings suggest immigration-related fear may be shaping health and economic outcomes for families across the state.

The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research analyzed 2025 California Health Interview Survey data, finding avoidance rates of 15% in 2025 and 11% in 2024 among low-income immigrant adults. Among avoiders, 26% reported delayed medical care compared with 12% of non-avoiders, though the survey does not establish causation between avoidance and these outcomes.

The players

UCLA Center for Health Policy Research

A research center at the University of California, Los Angeles that studies health policy and access to care, and that released this study.

The details

The study focused on immigrant adults with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level, roughly $64,300 for a family of four in 2025. Among noncitizens in that group, 25% avoided programs because of immigration concerns, compared with 5% of naturalized citizens.

2024: Avoidance rate was 11% among low-income immigrant adults in California.
2025: Avoidance rate rose to 15%, the year the survey data was collected.
Sept. 18: Current public charge standards took effect, according to the source extraction.
Nov. 5, 2026: The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research released the study.

Political Context

The findings come as federal public charge standards, which can weigh immigration history when assessing benefit use, took effect Sept. 18. Advocates and state officials have long argued such rules discourage eligible families from enrolling in Medi-Cal and food assistance, though the study does not directly measure those rule changes.

Families who qualify for public programs may face confusion about whether enrolling could affect their own or a relative's immigration status. The study suggests that avoiding care, prescriptions, or food assistance can lead to higher health and food risks for those households.

The takeaway

Immigration-related fear is shaping whether low-income families in California seek care and assistance they qualify for. Community organizations and clinics may be a practical starting point for residents with questions about eligibility.