Democrat-Led States Cut Healthcare for Undocumented Immigrants Amid Budget Strains

Several Democrat-led states including California, Illinois, and Minnesota are rolling back or freezing state-funded health care programs for undocumented immigrants due to budget shortfalls and rising costs following the end of federal COVID-19 relief. California Governor Gavin Newsom plans to freeze new enrollment in Medicare for undocumented adults, while Illinois Governor JB Pritzker aims to end the immigrant adult health program entirely. Minnesota's legislature approved a bill to end taxpayer-funded health care for adult undocumented immigrants, citing surging enrollment and escalating costs that threaten funding for other essential services. Republican lawmakers in Colorado are also urging Governor Jared Polis to reverse the state's policy allowing undocumented immigrants to access Medicaid, arguing it diverts resources from American citizens. These actions reflect increasing fiscal pressures and political debates over immigration and public health funding in multiple states. Public opinion polls in California indicate significant opposition to Medicaid coverage for undocumented immigrants, underscoring the contentious nature of these policy changes.