California uses state funds for immigrant welfare and healthcare

California is utilizing state and local tax dollars to fund welfare and healthcare programs for undocumented immigrants. Reports indicate that taxpayers spent at least $11 billion on such subsidies during the last fiscal year.

Specific programs mentioned include the California Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), which provides monthly cash assistance to low-income, elderly, or disabled noncitizens, and CalWORKs, which provides benefits to the children of undocumented residents. Additionally, the expansion of Medi-Cal to provide healthcare coverage to undocumented immigrants has faced criticism regarding its impact on state finances, with some reports suggesting the program required emergency loans and bailouts due to high costs.

Local officials in areas such as Glendale and Los Angeles have confirmed that noncitizens are eligible for these benefits, noting that eligibility is often determined by status rather than legal residency.