The federal government is currently shut down. Some people might think this is because Democrats aim to extend health care to undocumented immigrants, while others may believe Republicans want to increase health care costs for average Americans.
So, what’s actually happening, and who’s in the right?
In a recent episode of his podcast drill down, host Peter Schweitzer, who has firsthand experience with government shutdowns, provides important insights. Technically, it’s true that illegal immigrants aren’t covered by federal health care programs. However, federal aid does fund emergency room visits for those who can’t afford treatment.
“It’s interesting to consider the Democratic view that illegal immigrants don’t qualify for federal health programs. They claim Republicans are spreading falsehoods, but that’s not entirely accurate,” Schweitzer remarked. Although illegal immigrants are not directly eligible, “there are alternative ways the government subsidizes their medical expenses,” he noted. “And we’re talking substantial sums here.”
He plans to discuss the rise in the number of foreign nationals granted temporary entry into the U.S., a result of President Biden’s significant expansion of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. This figure has surged from about 400,000 to over 1.2 million. TPS recipients aren’t legally authorized to reside in the country, but they can’t be deported until their home nations resolve ongoing crises like, for example, Haiti’s earthquake or political turmoil. During their stay, they can access federal aid.
Additionally, Biden has permitted 2.9 million undocumented immigrants to remain in the U.S. through a “parole” system, allowing them to stay temporarily before facing deportation. This doesn’t even include those who crossed borders or overstayed visas through other illegal methods.
The Associated Press “fact-checked” the Republican assertion, disregarding its nuances and labeling it false. Democrats are pushing to incorporate significant health insurance changes into the upcoming Congressional spending plan. They are looking to maintain tax credits that many Americans utilize for insurance purchased through the Affordable Care Act and roll back Medicaid cuts instituted during the Act’s implementation, cuts that were described as “big and beautiful” by Trump when he signed the bill in July. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries even accused the current administration of aiming to “destroy” health care for Americans.
What the Democrats are really proposing, however, is a continuation of short-term tax credits to help Americans buy insurance through Obamacare. These credits were initially meant to be temporary, having been renewed twice under Biden, but now Democrats are seeking to make them permanent.
So what’s the Republican stance? Is the Democratic push truly about safeguarding health care for undocumented immigrants?
As co-host Eric Eggers highlights, a frequent Democratic claim is that “undocumented immigrants in the U.S. cannot access any federal health care programs, including those provided by the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid.” Yet, as shown in a video clip, it’s not for lack of trying. Back during the 2020 Democratic debate, when NBC host Savannah Guthrie asked about health insurance for illegal immigrants, all the Democratic candidates eagerly raised their hands in agreement, to the audience’s delight.
Aside from health care, Schweitzer mentioned other issues being reconsidered in the “big, beautiful bill.” “Democrats aim to re-litigate some elements,” he explained. “The continuing resolution proposed by Democrats included everything currently funded, plus a few extras.” (He even highlighted a comedic clip featuring Sen. John Kennedy from Louisiana discussing various components.) “Democrats state they want to reopen the government while including these issues.”
How long might this shutdown last? Schweitzer echoed Vice President J.D. Vance’s sentiments, suggesting it could last several weeks.
“I doubt Republicans are rushing to resolve it,” he said. “They’re getting what they want at the moment… If the shutdown stretches on, they can use this as leverage to not just remove certain items from the budget but also potentially cut government jobs that were previously slated for elimination during Musk’s tenure.”
“It’s possible an agreement could be reached, though I hope it won’t compromise fiscal responsibility in addressing these matters,” he added. “We wouldn’t want to see a Republican downfall in the Senate. I hope that Trump and others keep the GOP’s interests in mind and that we don’t let this issue slip by.”
He pointed out an odd alignment of incentives on both sides. “Republicans seem to champion fiscal responsibility, while Democrats appear to advocate for illegal immigration and push back against Trump’s policies.”
