El Paso is ignoring public health and terrorizing its most vulnerable citizens
February 5 Update: The City has just responded to the problem described here. As of today, the online vaccine application makes clear that a Social Security number is NOT required and ID information will be kept confidential. I’m leaving this earlier piece up, though, to document all the days when the City ignored the damage it could do and probably did do, by requiring Social Security numbers.
February 2:
An immigrant-rights-activist friend told me they know undocumented El Pasoans who are afraid to sign up for Covid-19 vaccine because the City is demanding uninsured people’s Social Security numbers. Of course, undocumented folks don’t have numbers, and they worry they’ll be targeted by ICE if they indicate they don’t.
So I found the part of the online sign-up form that says Social Security numbers are required from the uninsured so the City can get reimbursed by the feds for the vaccine.
To see what I saw, look for yourself at the English and Spanish, below. The language couldn’t be clearer: If you don’t have insurance, a Social Security number is “required.” Also, you need a driver’s license or state ID. Undocumented people can’t get drivers licenses either, in Texas. This item has a red asterisk. If you don’t respond you can’t…
