ALBUQUERQUE, APRIL 30, 2025—Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s line-item veto on page 94 of the state budget, which eliminated the requirement that major healthcare changes receive legislative approval, is a dangerous move that threatens the future of New Mexico’s healthcare system.
This veto clears the path for the Governor to unilaterally expand taxpayer-funded healthcare benefits to illegal immigrants—without input from the Legislature or the public. If this happens, New Mexico could follow the disastrous model of Minnesota, where illegal immigrant healthcare enrollment exploded costs from $196 million to $550 million, all shouldered by state taxpayers.
The consequences for New Mexico would be devastating. Our already-strained Medicaid system, which serves our most vulnerable citizens—including low-income families, children, seniors, and veterans—would face overwhelming new pressure. Even worse, expanding full benefits to illegal immigrants could violate federal Medicaid rules and risk losing federal matching funds that currently support healthcare for thousands of New Mexicans.
“We must take care of New Mexicans first,” said Chairwoman Amy Barela of the Republican Party of New Mexico. “Our tax dollars must prioritize the needs of those who are here legally, who work hard, serve our country, and contribute to our communities. The Governor’s action could jeopardize healthcare access for every New Mexican who relies on Medicaid today.”
Our veterans, our rural hospitals, and our working families already struggle to get the care they deserve. Diverting limited healthcare resources to illegal immigrants would be an unforgivable betrayal of the people of New Mexico.
Expanding healthcare to illegal immigrants at the expense of our own citizens is reckless, unsustainable, and fundamentally wrong. The Republican Party of New Mexico demands that legislative leaders stand up, restore oversight, and protect New Mexico families before it’s too late. Our future depends on it.
