“Idaho Law Halts Immigrant Vaccination Funding Amid Controversy”
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Amid a nationwide measles outbreak, Idaho has passed a new law that will end publicly funded vaccinations for undocumented immigrants. The legislation, signed by Republican Governor Brad Little, will also put a stop to various public benefits for those residing in the U.S. illegally, including communicable disease testing, prenatal and postnatal care for women, crisis counseling, and certain food assistance for children.
Set to take effect on July 1, the Idaho law appears to be the first of its kind to restrict public health benefits following President Donald Trump’s directive to federal agencies to tighten eligibility verification and prevent public benefits from going to ineligible immigrants. Similar measures have been proposed in multiple other states.
These restrictions on public benefits are part of a broader movement in Republican-led states to align with Trump’s tough stance on illegal immigration. Some states have withheld driver’s licenses, revoked in-state college tuition rates, and imposed harsher penalties on immigrants living in the U.S. unlawfully. Since Trump assumed office, the number of state and local law enforcement agencies participating in enforcing federal immigration laws has more than tripled.
While federal law has long prohibited undocumented immigrants from receiving taxpayer-funded benefits like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, there have been exceptions for emergency medical care. States have had the discretion to provide other benefits regardless of immigration status, either through federal programs or using state funds. Idaho is now eliminating some of these special accommodations from its state laws.
Republican Senator Phil Hart, a sponsor of the bill, clarified that state funding can still cover emergency medical services for anyone, regardless of legal status, as well as services for infants born in the U.S. to parents who are not lawfully present. However, expenses for vaccinations or prenatal care will no longer be covered by the state.
Critics argue that restricting preventive health care, especially in light of the measles outbreak spreading across the country, could jeopardize Idaho’s overall health and contradict the state’s anti-abortion stance. Republican Senator Jim Guthrie expressed concerns during the debate, stating that denying prenatal care could endanger the lives of unborn babies.
Additionally, the new limitations on public benefits may discourage even legally present immigrants from seeking healthcare services or applying for assistance, according to Valerie Lacarte, a senior policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. Lacarte emphasized that inquiring about immigration status can deter individuals from seeking vaccinations, leading to confusion and reduced participation.
Healthcare providers in Idaho also expressed concerns about the potential impacts of the new law, highlighting the importance of ensuring access to vaccinations for all individuals in the state.
Organizations like Terry Reilly Health Services are still navigating the implications of the new law. The health center in southwestern Idaho offers medical, dental, and mental health services to low-income and uninsured individuals. “We are working to determine the best way to continue providing services to our patients while complying with the law,” explained Claudia Weathermon, the communications director for Terry Reilly Health Services. The Idaho Foodbank, responsible for managing two government food programs, assured that the majority of its food comes from donations or funds raised through donations, which are not impacted by the new legislation. “We are committed to serving anyone in need of food assistance,” stated Idaho Foodbank President Randy Ford. Opposition to the law came from various industry and religious groups, such as the Food Producers of Idaho, the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, the Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry, the Catholic Diocese, and Mormon Women for Ethical Government. On the other hand, the legislation received support from the influential Idaho Freedom Foundation, a right-wing political think tank and lobbying organization. ___(From reporting by Lieb in Jefferson City, Missouri)
