. Perceptions related to medical
systems can be positive or negative because some
individuals understand how the medical system
operates, where to get tested, and which tests are
needed, while others lack this knowledge. Relatedly,
many respondents expressed that screening
tests and needed medical care may interfere with
one’s immigration status and pose a risk of being
detained or deported. These comments are examples
of this theme: “those who don’t have green
cards will not go, because they are afraid maybe
you don’t have a green card you are here, you are
sick, and having to be treated maybe something
will happen and they will have to call [immigration]”
(screened woman). “Even when they sick…
they prefer to die; they don’t go to the hospital because
they think if you go there the hospital maybe
they’re going to give your information to the immigration”
(unscreened man). In contrast, perceptions
of the medical system in the US, compared
to the medical system of their country of origin,
positively influenced respondents’ beliefs related
to health care and HBV screening. For example,
one screened man stated: “In America, they really
try, if anything happens to you they want to help…
whether you have the money or not they want to
help, they want to save your life.