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Call for illegal immigrants to be treated at hospital

01:37 PM CST on Friday, March 2, 2007

By CHRIS HAWES / WFAA-TV


FORT WORTH - This is where a church once stood.

The sanctuary Jose Tolentino found after risking his life to cross the border two decades ago.

At the time, he lived in the shadows, so afraid of being found out, he avoided doctors - instead riding out broken bones and sickness.

"I preferred that to going back," he said.

Today, a coalition of churches and charities wants to bring illegal immigrants out of the shadows and into Tarrant County Hospital District clinics.

The group, Allied Communities of Tarrant, or ACT, points to a $160 million operating surplus during the past three years.

"Germs don't need green cards. They can go wherever they want," said Rev. Craig Roshaven.

ACT wants to provide inexpensive health care to illegal immigrants at Tarrant County Hospital District Clinics - they're part of this county hospital's network.

"We have the money, let's put it to good use," Roshaven said.

ACT estimates the cost at up to $4.2 million a year.

Not everyone agrees with paying the illegal immigrants' medical bills.

"I absolutely think if the board finds it has a surplus it ought to take action to reduce its rates," said Jerry Pikulinski of Concerned Taxpayers of Arlington.

In other words, cut property taxes.

The hospital's board's expected to make a decision this summer.

Tolentino tells us that after 17 years of dodging doctors and fearing the government, he made his own decision to become an American citizen.

Today, he's proud to provide a good life and good medical care for his family.