Amid a government shutdown, a 2019 viral clip showing Democrats supporting healthcare for undocumented immigrants has resurfaced. House Speaker Mike Johnson cites it as proof Democrats want illegal immigrants on Medicaid.
Viral Clip Sparks Debate Amid Shutdown
The “Democratic debate healthcare for immigrants viral clip” is from a June 2019 presidential primary.
In the video, moderator Savannah Guthrie asked candidates to “Raise your hand if your government plan would provide coverage for undocumented immigrants,” prompting all ten Democrats on stage, including Bernie Sanders and Kirsten Gillibrand, to raise their hands.
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that Democrats’ “previous votes, and the ACTUAL LANGUAGE of their current bill, say otherwise” regarding their claims they don’t want illegal immigrants on Medicaid.
The conservative group Heritage Action shared the clip, posting “Why don’t we let Democrats answer that?” while Elon Musk commented “lol.“
The Debate Over Healthcare for Undocumented Immigrants
The resurfaced clip has intensified the ongoing debate over the federal budget and government shutdown, which centers in part on government shutdown ACA subsidies.
Republicans argue that Democrats’ previous positions prove their intent to expand coverage to non-citizens.
Democrats have pushed back on these claims, noting that illegal immigrants cannot get insurance on the ACA marketplace under current law.
Some critics argue Republicans are conflating federal programs with state-based Medicaid programs funded by state taxpayers.
Social Media Clashes and Broader Context
The dispute also played out on social media between political figures. After former senator Al Franken asked if JD Vance was a “liar or just woefully ignorant” for his claims, strategist Matt Whitlock referenced a past scandal involving Franken, stating, “You should stick to intimate photography.“
While federal law covers Emergency Medicaid for illegal immigrants, several states use their own funds for broader coverage. A federal audit previously recommended California refund over $52.7 million in “improperly claimed” medical costs for people with “unsatisfactory immigration status.“
Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona addressed the issue, stating he would support a GOP bill to “exclude illegal immigrants from buying on the market” if it would also “restore ACA tax credits to 24 million Americans.” The government shutdown continues with no clear end in sight.
