Use of Law by US States During the COVID-19 Pandemic With Respect to People Who Were Undocumented.

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To systematically identify and analyze US state-level legislation concerning people who were undocumented during the COVID-19 pandemic, from January 2020 through August 2021. <b>Methods.</b> Using standard public health law research methods, we searched Westlaw's online database between November 2021 and January 2022 to identify legislation addressing COVID-19 and people who were undocumented. We abstracted relevant information, analyzed the data, and identified primary themes for each bill and resolution. <b>Results.</b> Sixty-six bills and resolutions, from 13 states, met the inclusion criteria. Legislation addressed 5 primary themes: eligibility and access to health-related services (n = 16), health and personal information (n = 10), housing assistance (n = 13), job security and employment benefits (n = 14), and monetary assistance (n = 13). <b>Conclusions.</b> Approximately one quarter of state legislatures introduced bills or resolutions regarding people who were undocumented and COVID-19. State-level laws are an important tool to mitigate the disproportionate impact of public health emergencies on vulnerable groups. <b>Public Health Implications.</b> As states shift attention away from the exigencies of COVID-19, this research provides insight into how law might be used to protect those who are undocumented throughout the full cycle of future public health emergencies. (<i>Am J Public Health.</i> 2022;112(12):1757-1764. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307090).