We Are Paying For This?
Segment #512
Yes, in many cases, taxpayers do pay for services rendered to non-citizen recipients, especially for certain types of essential services. However, the extent and nature of this funding vary significantly based on the recipient's immigration status and the specific service. Additionally, taxpayers both state and nationally are directly supporting NGO’s that are funding and equipping rioters. See below.
Here's a breakdown:
1. Emergency Healthcare:
Federal Mandate: The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) requires all hospitals that accept Medicare to provide emergency medical treatment to anyone, regardless of their immigration status or ability to pay.1
Medicaid Funding: For undocumented immigrants and other non-citizens who would otherwise qualify for Medicaid based on income but not immigration status, Medicaid can reimburse hospitals for the cost of treating emergency medical conditions.2 This is often referred to as "Emergency Medicaid."
Taxpayer Burden: The costs for these emergency services, which can be substantial, are ultimately borne by federal and state taxpayers through Medicaid funding. Reports from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and other sources indicate billions of dollars annually are spent on emergency medical services for non-citizens.
2. Other Healthcare (Limited but Present):
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): These centers receive federal funding to provide primary care services on a sliding scale, often heavily subsidized.3 Taxpayer dollars contribute to their operations, making care accessible to individuals regardless of immigration status.4
State-Funded Programs: A growing number of states use their own funds to provide health coverage to certain immigrant populations, including some undocumented individuals, particularly children, pregnant people, and in some cases, older adults.5 These state-funded programs are directly supported by state taxpayers.
Public Health Initiatives: Taxpayer funds support general public health initiatives (like vaccinations, disease control, and community health screenings) that are often available to all residents, regardless of immigration status, to prevent the spread of illness and maintain overall community health.
3. Housing:
Emergency Shelters: While federal housing assistance programs (like Public Housing or Section 8) generally exclude undocumented immigrants, emergency shelters for the homeless often receive funding from a mix of local, state, and federal sources, as well as private donations. These shelters typically do not inquire about immigration status, meaning taxpayer funds indirectly support some housing for non-citizens in crisis.
Non-Profit Support: Many non-profit organizations that provide housing assistance or referrals rely on charitable donations, grants, and sometimes government funding, meaning taxpayers contribute to these efforts through various channels.
4. Education:
K-12 Public Education: By law, all children residing in the United States, regardless of immigration status, are entitled to K-12 public education.6 This is fully funded by state and local taxpayer dollars.
5. Other Public Services:
Basic Public Services: Non-citizens, like all residents, utilize public services such as roads, parks, police, and fire protection.7 The funding for these services comes from general taxes.
Where Are We Headed With The Left
You are correct that politicians on the left generally support universal healthcare, which often includes the goal of providing healthcare for all US residents, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.1
Current Healthcare Access for Non-Citizens in the US:
Limited Federal Programs: Undocumented immigrants are largely ineligible for federal healthcare programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and subsidies for private insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces, except for emergency care.2
Emergency Care Mandate: The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) ensures that all Medicare-participating hospitals provide emergency medical treatment regardless of a person's ability to pay or immigration status.3 Emergency Medicaid often covers these costs for undocumented immigrants.4
State-Level Initiatives: A growing number of states are using their own funds to provide health insurance coverage to certain immigrant populations, including some who are undocumented.5 These programs vary significantly in eligibility and scope.
Lawfully Present Immigrants: Lawfully present immigrants can generally access ACA Marketplace coverage and may qualify for subsidies.6 However, many "qualified non-citizens" (like green card holders) face a five-year waiting period before they can access full Medicaid or CHIP coverage, though there are exceptions for certain groups like refugees or asylees.7
Private Insurance and FQHCs: Some undocumented immigrants may be able to purchase private health insurance or access limited primary care and prescription drugs through Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).8
Challenges and Criticisms:
Cost: A primary concern is the significant cost associated with expanding healthcare coverage to all residents, especially those who currently lack coverage and may not be contributing to the tax base.
Political Opposition: There is strong political opposition, particularly from the right, to using taxpayer funds to provide healthcare to non-citizens, especially undocumented immigrants.13
Logistical Challenges: Implementing a truly universal system for all residents would involve significant logistical and administrative challenges in a country with a complex immigration system.
Non Government Organizations - NGO’s
This is a complex topic that we have and will cover in greater detail. Specifically with respect to LA both private (Soros) and taxpayer funded organizations are supporting the rioters.
California Funded NGO
The Los Angeles riots condemning efforts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to rid the country of criminal illegal aliens appeared organized from the beginning, prompting people to ask, "Who's paying for all this?"
Two organizations made themselves known from the start: the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and the Service Employees International Union.
A third group has been identified and is trying to hide its presence from authorities because it's a nongovernmental organization (NGO) that receives federal funding. Talk about an inside job.
The fact that thousands of rioters showed up at the same place and at the same time made it obvious the riots were organized. Funding was soon confirmed when people showed up in trucks laden with riot gear.
"We just saw people arrive in Downtown L.A. with truck-loads of Bionic Face Shields that demonstrators quickly grabbed," reported Elex Michaelson, anchor for Fox-LA.
"It certainly seems like gear you'd wear if you're preparing for conflict with police," he added before asking, "Who is funding this?"
