Illegal immigrants are being cut out of Medicare, and Americans couldn’t be happier. A new poll shows overwhelming support for Republican-backed reforms that would not only end benefits for illegal aliens, but also require able-bodied recipients to get back to work.
At a Glance
- 71% of Americans support removing illegal immigrants from Medicaid and adding work requirements
- House Republicans passed a budget resolution with Medicaid reforms to cut $2 trillion in federal spending
- President Trump supports removing illegal immigrants from Medicaid and tackling program fraud
- Medicaid spending reached $616 billion in 2023, making up 10% of federal spending
- Critics argue work requirements could harm disabled Americans who can’t work
Americans Want Common-Sense Medicaid Reform
Americans are uniting behind Republican efforts to reform the ballooning Medicaid program. A recent poll from RMG Research reveals that 71% of Americans support removing illegal immigrants from Medicaid rolls and implementing work requirements for able-bodied recipients. The House of Representatives has already passed a budget resolution incorporating these reforms, which could save taxpayers $2 trillion over the next decade.
The proposed changes align with the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996, which established that “it is a compelling government interest to remove the incentive for illegal immigration provided by the availability of public benefits.” This law has long aimed to restrict access to public services for undocumented immigrants, but enforcement has been inconsistent across states, leading to significant budget strains.
Trump Backs Reform Without Cutting Benefits
President Donald Trump has pledged not to cut Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security for legal American citizens, but he strongly supports removing illegal immigrants from these programs and addressing widespread fraud. With Medicaid spending reaching $616 billion in 2023 and accounting for 10% of federal spending, these reforms are seen as essential steps toward fixing America’s $1.7 trillion annual deficit.
“It’s common sense. Little things like that make a big difference not only in the budgeting process but in the morale of the people. You know, work is good for you. You find dignity in work,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said.
While Republicans push for reforms that encourage self-reliance, some medical experts have raised concerns about potential impacts. Despite these objections, polling shows Americans recognize that with skyrocketing inflation and tight budgets, taxpayers can’t afford to subsidize healthcare for illegal immigrants while many working Americans struggle to pay their own medical bills.
Work Requirements Gaining Momentum
Republican lawmakers are emphasizing that work requirements aren’t just about saving money—they’re about restoring dignity and self-sufficiency to able-bodied Americans. “That single mom that’s working two or three jobs right now to make ends meet under this tough economy, she doesn’t want to have to pay for someone who’s sitting at home,” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise noted.
Even Medicaid recipients themselves express gratitude for the program but understand the need for reforms. One 33-year-old Trump voter from Arizona shared, “I’m really grateful for it. When I first got on it, it covered for 90 days for me to go to a rehab and then it has covered my prescriptions with no questions asked.” However, many recipients recognize that taxpayer-funded programs must be reserved for those truly in need, not those entering the country illegally.
