Abstract
Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a vital role in ensuring equitable healthcare access for all individuals, including immigrant and undocumented populations. Rooted in the principles of compassion, advocacy, and social justice, advanced practice nursing emphasizes the ethical mandate to provide care without discrimination. Federal protections such as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act safeguard access to medical services and confidentiality, reinforcing NPs' responsibility in fostering inclusive health care environments. Yet, policy frameworks alone are not enough. Nurse practitioners must navigate real-world barriers, including restrictive state laws and fear-driven health care avoidance among undocumented individuals. Through direct patient care, advocacy, and legal partnerships, NPs can mitigate disparities and empower marginalized communities. This column highlights the crucial role of NPs in advancing a more inclusive health care system and explores practical ways to bridge policy with practice, ensuring every patient receives dignified, high-quality care.