Newsom Pauses Free Healthcare for Undocumented Immigrants Amidst Budget Crisis

California's Budget Crisis Forces Newsom to Pause Healthcare Expansion for Undocumented Immigrants California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a plan to temporarily halt the expansion of free healthcare to undocumented immigrants in 2026. This decision, driven by the state's $12 billion budget deficit and economic uncertainties, has ignited a heated debate. Newsom stated that the program's cost has exceeded initial projections, necessitating the pause. "In order to save some money and ease these economic troubles," Newsom explained during a press conference, "we are proposing rolling back free healthcare for undocumented immigrants." The program, launched in late 2023, aimed to provide free healthcare to all low-income adults regardless of immigration status. The pause will affect those who have not yet enrolled, and those already enrolled will face a $100 monthly fee starting in 2027. Critics argue this move undermines the state's commitment to healthcare access for all. Advocates for immigrants worry about the consequences of this policy shift for vulnerable communities. The decision also comes at a time when the Trump administration is pressuring Democratic-led states to cooperate with immigration officials, raising concerns about potential federal funding cuts. The future of this program remains uncertain, highlighting the complex interplay between state budgets, healthcare access, and immigration policy.