Irregular Migrants and their Access to Health Care – A Comparative Study between the United States and Italy

Regardless of our age, gender, socio-economic or ethnic background, health is considered a basic and essential asset to a life of dignity. International human rights law recognizes the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right of every individual, regardless of citizenship or migratory status. The literature review focuses on irregular migrants in the United States and Italy, who have been identified as a vulnerable population with little to no adequate access to health care. This paper will first illustrate how national-level health care policies are often at odds with the rights stated in international human rights law. In addition, it further examines the barriers to health care for irregular migrants, which include bureaucratic obstacles, financial limitations, discrimination, and fear.