Democrats have slammed President Donald Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB) for its Medicaid cuts, calling them “cruel” and predicting it will lead to loss of life. But here’s the reality: every state in America spends approximately $182 billion annually on illegal immigration—most of it fueled by Democrat-led sanctuary policies. This is more than enough to cover the Medicaid gaps they claim to care about.
The OBBB does not aim to slash Medicaid—it seeks to enforce accountability. Signed into law on July 4, 2025, this bill shifts responsibility to the states, limiting runaway spending and capping federal contributions. If a state wants to expand Medicaid, it must do so with its own resources, not burden taxpayers in other states.
The High Cost of Illegal Immigration
Illegal immigrants are provided far more than emergency medical services. Nationwide, they receive taxpayer-funded healthcare, housing, food, hotel accommodations, legal assistance, in-state tuition, prepaid debit cards, cash payments, flights, bus rides, and more. These expenses impact every state, whether through federally mandated emergency services or lavish, state-funded benefits in left-wing strongholds. It’s no wonder where the Medicaid money has gone.
California Prioritizes Illegals Over Citizens
California leads the way in putting illegal immigrants first. According to the California Department of Finance, the state will spend over $8.4 billion this year on Medicaid benefits for illegal immigrants—more than $5 billion over initial estimates. And that’s just for healthcare. Now, California expects federal taxpayers to pick up the bill for their overspending.
Other States Follow Suit
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul allocated $2.4 billion in the 2025-26 state budget for “migrant services”—including legal aid, medical care, and housing for asylum seekers and noncitizens. Meanwhile, New York City has expanded a controversial program that distributes prepaid debit cards loaded with cash to migrant families staying in taxpayer-funded hotels. These aren’t isolated cases; they reveal a system addicted to rewarding illegal entry.
In Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker’s administration vastly underestimated the cost of two health insurance programs for immigrants, costing the state $1.6 billion since 2020, according to an audit. And in Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey approved $5 million to provide immigrants with legal counsel.
Oregon has gone as far as offering full reproductive care—including taxpayer-funded abortions—for illegal immigrants. They justify it by blaming “structural racism and xenophobia” for denying undocumented immigrants comprehensive care. Their goal is simple: “Cover all people.”
The $340 Million Washington State Debacle
Washington State used $340 million in federal COVID relief funds to give illegal immigrants $1,000 checks. This is just a glimpse into the broader picture. From coast to coast, Democrats are funneling billions into benefits for illegal immigrants, all while criticizing Trump’s Medicaid cuts.
Democrats’ Hysterical Response
Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., joined Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., to decry the bill, claiming it “creates barriers and mazes” that will kill tens of thousands. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., said: “This is a cruel, horrific betrayal that will leave Americans poorer and sicker. Thanks to Trump, Republicans, and this bill, people will die.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called it “wrong,” “dangerous,” and “cruel.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer had an outburst over the bill. He said, “This is not a ‘big, beautiful bill’ at all. That’s why I moved down the floor to strike the title. It is now called ‘the act.’ That’s what it’s called. But it is really the ‘big ugly betrayal.’”
The Truth: Shifting Responsibility, Not Slashing Coverage
The OBBB doesn’t eliminate healthcare coverage—it shifts financial responsibility back to the states. If Democrat-controlled states weren’t spending billions on illegal immigrants, they’d have more than enough funds to cover their own Medicaid rolls. The outrage from Democrats isn’t about saving lives; it’s about losing federal handouts.
Democrats aren’t furious that people might lose healthcare. They’re furious that Washington won’t bail them out this time.
The real betrayal is prioritizing illegal immigrants over American citizens. As American families struggle to afford healthcare, blue states continue to pour billions of dollars into services for non-citizens. Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill draws a clear line: either pay for what you demand or live within your means.
Democrats Choose Illegal Immigrants Over Americans
If states cut Medicaid coverage, it’s not the fault of Trump’s OBBB—it’s the states’ choice not to fund healthcare for their own citizens, instead spending that money on illegal immigrants. Voters should remember this come election time.
Sources
- The Fiscal Burden of Illegal Immigration on United States Taxpayers: FAIR
- Reuters (May 8, 2025) – Confirms the bill scales back federal Medicaid funding for expansion states, caps provider tax schemes, and shifts more cost to states: Reuters
- Reuters (July 3, 2025) – Details key provisions in the final bill, including mandatory work requirements, eligibility checks, cost-sharing for expansion enrollees, and a new inflation-based cap on provider tax revenue: Reuters
- California Medicaid Spending: California Budget
- New York state budget allocates $2.4 billion for support for migrants: PolitiFact
- NYC to spend millions on prepaid debit cards for migrants: NY Post
- Illinois Immigrant Health Audit: Yahoo News
- Massachusetts Illegal Immigrant Legal Defense Fund: MIRA Coalition
- Oregon Reproductive Health Equity Act: Oregon.gov
- Washington State diverted $340 million in federal COVID relief funds to illegal immigrants: NY Post
- Rep. Frank Pallone Criticism: Pallone’s Press Release
- Rep. Pramila Jayapal Criticism: Yahoo News
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries Criticism: NBC News
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer Comments: RedState