Senate Blocks Removal of 1.4 Million Illegal Aliens from Medicaid
Alec Charles Reynolds Executive Director National American Citizen Association
In April 2026, the Senate blocked a provision that would have removed approximately 1.4 million illegal aliens from Medicaid.
As of May 1, 2026, this issue remains unresolved. The Senate has still not taken action to remove these individuals from taxpayer-funded healthcare.
This is not a minor procedural issue. It is a direct decision to keep taxpayer-funded healthcare benefits flowing to individuals who entered the country illegally — while American citizens and legal residents face rising premiums, longer wait times, and strained hospital systems.
The American people are watching. When Congress chooses to protect non-citizens over citizens in the use of limited public resources, it sends a clear message about priorities.
The Role of the Senate Parliamentarian
Much of the blockage came down to one unelected official: the Senate Parliamentarian.
The Parliamentarian is a non-partisan staffer whose job is to interpret Senate rules. In this case, the Parliamentarian ruled that removing illegal aliens from Medicaid violated the Byrd Rule — a procedural rule that prevents certain policy changes from being included in budget reconciliation bills (which only require a simple majority to pass).
The Byrd Rule: Its History and Notable Cases
The Byrd Rule was created in 1985 by Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV). Its original purpose was to stop senators from using the fast-track budget reconciliation process to pass major policy changes that had little to do with the federal budget.
Over the years, the Byrd Rule has been used to strike down many provisions, including:
1993: Attempts to include a national health care plan in reconciliation.
2001: Efforts to add a Medicare prescription drug benefit.
2017: Democratic attempts to include a $15 minimum wage increase in the Republican tax bill.
2021: Multiple climate and social spending provisions in President Biden’s Build Back Better plan.
2025–2026: The current ruling blocking the removal of illegal aliens from Medicaid.
In each case, the Parliamentarian’s decision — not a vote of the full Senate — determined what could and could not become law. This has turned one unelected staff member into one of the most powerful people in Washington.
Other Notable Senate Parliamentarian Rulings
The Parliamentarian has repeatedly blocked or altered major legislation in recent years:
Striking down Democratic attempts to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 in 2021.
Blocking parts of the Build Back Better bill that were deemed policy rather than budget-related.
Ruling against including immigration reform provisions in reconciliation packages.
Limiting what could be included in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
These rulings show a clear pattern: the Senate Parliamentarian has become a de facto veto point for major policy changes — especially when they involve immigration, healthcare, or spending that benefits non-citizens.
Medicaid Funding History – How We Got Here
Medicaid was created in 1965 as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society programs. It was originally designed to provide healthcare to low-income American citizens and certain legal residents — not to people who entered the country illegally.
Over the decades, the program has grown dramatically:
In 1965, Medicaid covered about 4 million people.
By 2026, it covers over 80 million people and costs taxpayers more than $600 billion per year.
Current Cost to American Taxpayers
According to the most recent estimates (2025–2026), providing Medicaid and emergency healthcare to illegal aliens is now costing American taxpayers between $18 billion and $25 billion per year. This includes emergency services, coverage for U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants, and state-funded programs in at least 15 states.
Other Medicaid Loopholes Being Used
The 1.4 million figure is only part of the story. Illegal aliens are currently accessing Medicaid through several other loopholes:
Emergency Medicaid (required by federal law)
U.S.-born children who automatically qualify for full Medicaid
State-funded programs in at least 15 states
Expanded coverage for pregnant women and children under CHIP
Immigration Reform Efforts — A History of Failure
For decades, Congress has failed to pass meaningful immigration reform. Major attempts include the 2006 Secure Fence Act, the 2013 Gang of Eight Bill, multiple Trump-era border security bills, and the 2024 border security bill that was killed by Senate Democrats.
Each time, efforts to close loopholes and enforce existing law have been blocked — often using procedural tricks like the Byrd Rule and the Senate Parliamentarian.
NACA’s Position
At the National American Citizen Association, we believe public programs like Medicaid should serve American citizens and legal residents first. This is not about anger — it is about basic fairness and fiscal responsibility.
We will continue tracking these issues and educating citizens on exactly how their tax dollars are being used — and who is blocking common-sense reforms.
The More You Know
When government resources are stretched to cover non-citizens while American families struggle, trust in the system erodes. Our mission is simple: put American citizens first, enforce existing law, and restore constitutional priorities.
Call to Action
The future of our children is at stake.
If you believe American citizens and legal residents should come first in the use of taxpayer-funded programs, now is the time to act.
Join the National American Citizen Association today.
Become part of a growing movement that is fighting to restore common sense and constitutional priorities.
→ Register Now at nacagroup.org/register
America First. Constitution Only.
Secure Their Tomorrow — together.
