For Immediate Release
Contact: Mike Roth, 916-813-1554
Newsom’s Cruel Cuts to Immigrant Health Care are Trumpian:
Budget Slashes Health Care for Immigrants Who Have Survived Violence, Trafficking
Sacramento, CA – The California Pan-Ethnic Health Network today released the following statement from the Executive Director Kiran Savage-Sangwan, in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget for 2026-2027:
“The Trump-level cruelty of Newsom’s proposed budget cuts to health care for the most vulnerable immigrant communities shocks our conscience. Under the Governor’s proposal, California would strip full-scope Medi-Cal health care from immigrants who are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking and other traumas. Despite being couched as a response to federal policy under HR1, this proposal would reverse a decades-long state commitment enshrined in state law to care for refugees, asylees, domestic violence survivors, and holders of visas for crime victims. Without access to these benefits, refugees who often need ongoing health care for injuries, nutritional deficiencies, PTSD, or exposure to infectious disease will be torn away from their doctors, therapists, and medications. Survivors may be forced to remain in abusive situations longer than they otherwise would because leaving will mean they lose food or medical support for themselves and their children.
“This cruel policy highlights the Administration’s overall flawed budgeting approach. While the rich and corporations are enjoying billions in Trump tax breaks, the Governor would continue to squeeze dollars from the pockets of exhausted farm workers, fast food workers, and janitors – forcing them to choose between hunger and health care. We call on legislators to immediately reject these additional, racist cuts to Medi-Cal for immigrant populations and seek new revenues to protect care for the millions of Californians who are losing coverage and critical access to dental services as well as those still at risk as federal cuts loom.
“California can’t claim to be more compassionate than Trump while doubling down on his cruelty.”
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The California Pan-Ethnic Health Network brings together and mobilizes communities of color to advocate for public policies that advance health equity and improve health outcomes in our communities. Learn more at cpehn.org.