Illinois lawmakers clash on healthcare for undocumented immigrants amid shutdown

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Lawmakers from the Stateline area are reacting to the ongoing government shutdown, with differing views on healthcare for illegal immigrants.

Representative Eric Sorensen (D) refutes Republican claims that undocumented migrants would receive Medicaid under their proposal, stating that those in the country illegally do not receive taxpayer-funded healthcare.

"Those who are in our country illegally do not receive taxpayer-funded health care. So they're trying to come up with some spin, because they can't take away from the fact that Donald Trump controls the House. Donald Trump controls the Senate. And he sits in the White House. It's on him," Sorenson said.

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara also questioned the validity of Republican claims, noting that immigrants can only receive Medicaid in emergencies, which hospitals must provide to everyone.

Congressman Darin LaHood (R) said that discussions on healthcare can wait and accused Democrats of holding the government hostage.

"What they want is, they want continued health care for illegal immigrants. They want to fund illegal immigrants. We're not in support of that. The expiring Obamacare tax credits, I think that's a conversation worth having. But those don't expire until the end of the year. The end of '25. So let's keep the government open," LaHood said.

The government shutdown has sparked debate among lawmakers, with healthcare for immigrants being a contentious issue.

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