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Addressing Undocumented Immigrants' Health Care Needs through Safety Net Systems in California

​A common myth about undocumented immigrants in the United States is that they place an undue burden on the nation’s health care system and particularly the safety net. In 2016, the Center was host to Paul Dourgnon, the research director at the Paris-based French Institute for Research and Information in Health Economics, and a 2016-17 French Harkness Fellow in Health Care Policy and Practice. Using data from the California Health Interview Survey, as well as county stakeholder interviews, Dourgnon assessed how well immigrants are served by California’s safety net and what the health outcomes are for immigrants who are able to access services. On Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, Paul returned from Paris to, among other things, talk to us about the results of this research, which could not be more timely in light of current political debates.

Speakers

Paul Dourgnon

Paul Dourgnon

Upcoming Events

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Webinar // 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM

California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) Annual Data Release

The mental and physical health effects of the 2025 wildfires. Hate targeting immigrants. Barriers to healthcare. Food insecurity. What do the latest data reveal about the experiences shaping life and health in California, and who was affected most? Join the UCLA CHPR on Thursday, October 15, as we share the 2025 findings from the annual California Health Interview Survey (CHIS).

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Tuesday, November 17, 2026

// 9:00 AM — 4:00 PM

2026 E.R. Brown Symposium — Nourishing the Future: Reimagining Nutrition Security in an Era of Change

Join us on Tuesday, November 17, for the 2026 E.R. Brown Symposium, Nourishing the Future: Reimagining Nutrition Security in an Era of Change, being held in person in Sacramento. With changes in federal nutrition and social service programs, California stands at a crossroads. This event will bring together experts and changemakers to explore how the state can respond to growing challenges and help close gaps in access to nutritious food.

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