Enrollment in Medi-Cal, California’s version of the Medicaid program, has dropped over the past couple of years, and some health policy experts say anti-immigrant policies and proposals have contributed to the decline.

(Español) Económicamente, añade, “puede esperarse que las comunidades experimenten mayores tasas de pobreza, inestabilidad en la vivienda, una fuerza laboral reducida y una disminución general en el índice de la productividad económica”.

(Español) “No sé si los conservadores más moderados buscarán refugio temporal con los demócratas o los independientes; si fundará otra colectividad ahora que la suya ha sido secuestrada por los antinmigrantes; o si ya el Partido Republicano rebasó el punto donde no hay retorno”.

Lawyers and experts argue that people should not take immediate action if they are currently participating in government or public assistance programs, since the DHS rule does not apply retroactively.

“Our message to our state’s strong, diverse immigrant community is simple: California has your back. A courageous network of advocates and community groups is fighting for you. We will not allow this harmful regulation to undo the powerful work we have done in California to protect all who call our state home.”