Reema Ali
Host: Equal Justice Center
Sponsor: Texas Access to Justice Foundation
Alexandra Warren
- Hosted by Health Law Advocates
- Sponsored by Baker McKenzie, Merck & Co., Inc.
- Service location Boston, Massachusetts
- Law school Northeastern University School of Law
- Issue area Immigrant Populations
- Fellowship class year 2020
- Program Design-Your-Own Fellowship
The Project
Alexandra expanded healthcare access for immigrant communities who are experiencing low-income situations in Massachusetts through direct legal representation, policy advocacy, and community outreach as part of the Medical-Legal Partnership for Immigrants.
In March 2021, it was announced that the 2019 Public Charge Final Rule would no longer be in effect. This rule had prevented certain non-U.S. citizens from receiving public benefits by denying their applications for lawful permanent residency. Despite the end of that rule, immigrants still fear its effects and choose not to enroll in or upgrade their health insurance coverage, incurring unaffordable medical debt or lack of access to medical services due to being uninsured or underinsured. Alexandra worked to identify and alleviate these barriers to healthcare access.
Fellowship Highlights
During the two-year Fellowship, Alexandra:
- Partnered with three medical providers–Boston Medical Center, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Boston Healthcare for the Homeless–to receive case referrals for the Medical-Legal Partnership for Immigrants
- Provided full representation for 46 community members and provided advice or brief services to 24 community members
- Gave four presentations to local immigrant community groups on immigrant access to health care, reaching nearly 100 participants
- Gave 16 presentations to allies and medical providers on how to best support immigrant communities in accessing their healthcare, reaching over 300 participants
- Participated with five local groups in coalitions to advocate for policies that would alleviate barriers to healthcare for immigrant communities in Massachusetts
Next Steps
Health Law Advocates will support and grow the Medical-Legal Partnership for Immigrants by continuing to pursue new healthcare provider partners. Alexandra will be joining the HIV/AIDS Representation Project at The Legal Aid Society as a Staff Attorney and will represent persons living with HIV and AIDS in general civil matters.
Media
Bor-Zale, Nawab and Warren Awarded Equal Justice Works Fellowships
As the daughter of an immigrant who received support from initiatives similar to this project, I feel compelled to continue to address the barriers to healthcare that low-income immigrants face.
Alexandra Warren /
2020 Equal Justice Works Fellow
Meet Other Fellows Like Alexandra
Megan Sheffield
Host: Equal Justice Center
Sponsor: Anonymous
Jessica Emerson
Host: The Women's Law Center of Maryland
Sponsor: Friends and Family of Philip M. Stern
Robin Richardson
Host: Urban Justice Center
Sponsor: Friends and Family of Philip M. Stern