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The World Health Organization uses universal access and equity of care as criteria for assessing the performance of healthcare systems. The United Nations is in favor of Universal Health Coverage by 2030. In France, a proposal to redefine State-Aided Medical Assistance (AME) has been put forward, on the grounds that it would lead to budgetary savings. Undocumented persons would only have access to healthcare in cases of medical urgency. The health of new migrants is a matter of concern, with a high incidence of physical and mental health problems among these populations. Within these populations, illegal immigrants and asylum seekers are particularly vulnerable. Only a small proportion of those eligible for AME are reported to have registered for their entitlement to healthcare. This position paper explores the interplay between the universal right to health and the vulnerability of migrant populations. It proposes that primary healthcare should be extended to these vulnerable populations, applying the proportionate universalism principles of “outreach” and “collaboration .” It warns that a reduction in AME care would lead to an increase in the number of people refusing care and would worsen the health of the populations concerned.