California Governor Gavin Newsom is openly reaffirming his support for extending state-funded healthcare to illegal aliens, telling The New York Times he is “proud” of California’s decision to use taxpayer dollars to provide “free” medical coverage to those residing in the state unlawfully.
“Yeah, I’m proud of that,” Newsom said when discussing state healthcare access for “undocumented” aliens.
“As it relates to undoc[umented] healthcare, yeah, I’m proud of that, because I believe in universal healthcare.
“You know, others may say it; I did it.
“First state in the country, regardless of pre-existing conditions, ability to pay, and regardless of your immigration status.”
WATCH:
Newsom’s comments come after a previous moment earlier this year when he signaled that low-income illegal immigrants would no longer be enrolled in Medi-Cal as part of budget adjustments.
It’s positioning that emerged as Democrats floated his name as a potential presidential candidate.
Those plans were not implemented, and the governor is now more directly touting the state’s expansive benefits.
California remains the first state in the nation to extend full Medicaid-equivalent coverage to illegal aliens of all ages.
The decision has drawn renewed scrutiny as other Democrat leaders have insisted that federal healthcare programs do not cover illegals.
During the recent federal government funding dispute, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) stated:
“Zero federal dollars can go to undocumented immigrants through Medicare, through Medicaid, through ACA.”
California’s state-funded approach, however, is separate from federal mandates and does not face the same restrictions.
The governor has also faced criticism over his administration’s approach to immigration enforcement cooperation.
Earlier this year, Newsom declined to honor an ICE detainer for a Mexican national accused of killing an 11-year-old California boy.
The governor also publicly objected to federal raids on illegal marijuana operations that authorities said involved trafficked minors, suggesting the operations had been mishandled.
California continues to offer subsidized loans and scholarships to illegal immigrant residents, and the state’s extensive benefits landscape has drawn national attention amid growing budget concerns.
According to a 2023 estimate from the Federation for American Immigration Reform, illegal immigration costs California taxpayers approximately $31 billion annually.
That figure predates the state’s latest expansion of Medi-Cal eligibility and likely understates current spending levels.
California is simultaneously coping with an $18 billion budget deficit.
Newsom’s remarks also arrive as victims of the Palisades wildfire continue to report unmet needs and delayed assistance from state agencies.
The governor’s interview on The Ezra Klein Show underscores California’s continued divergence from federal norms on immigration-related benefits and positions Newsom as one of the most vocal defenders of state-funded healthcare for those residing in the U.S. illegally.
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