An Arizona proposal, State Senate Bill 1268, is seeking to delve into the healthcare costs associated with illegal immigrants, following recent concerns in California about the impact on taxpayers and hospitals. The bill, if passed, would require individuals to disclose their immigration or citizenship status on hospital forms, including whether they are in the country illegally. It also mandates hospitals and the state government to track costs that may be covered by taxpayers due to someone's immigration status.
Republican state Sen. Wendy Rogers, the bill's sponsor, emphasized that the legislation is aimed at promoting accountability without compromising individuals' access to hospital care. She clarified that the information collected would not be shared with other agencies and that individuals in need of medical treatment would still receive care regardless of their immigration status.
However, critics of the bill, such as Democratic state Sen. Eva Burch, argue that requiring individuals to disclose their immigration status could deter some from seeking necessary medical care, which could have negative public health implications. Burch also pointed out that many undocumented individuals contribute to public healthcare costs through taxes.
The bill passed the state Senate with a 17-12 vote along party lines and is now awaiting consideration in the Republican-majority House. If approved, it will then be presented to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs for final approval or veto.
Meanwhile, California is under scrutiny for spending $9.5 billion on Medicare for illegal immigrants, a move criticized as wasteful by some. The state's spending is based on a law that ensures immigration status is not a factor when applying for public benefits.
The recent decrease in the number of people entering the country illegally through the southern border has been attributed to the policies of the Trump administration. In February 2025, there were just over 8,300 migrant encounters recorded by the United States Customs and Border Protection, marking a significant decline.
The focus on securing the border, enforcing laws, and protecting American sovereignty remains a priority for the current administration, as highlighted by CBP's recent statement on the reduced migrant encounters.
