Minnesota legislator Kaohly Vang Her turns personal history into a plea for humane immigration reform, advocating for healthcare access for undocumented immigrants.
At a Glance
- 17,400 undocumented Minnesota residents applied for state healthcare, far surpassing initial projections.
- Estimated costs for healthcare programs rose from $220 million to over $600 million.
- Republicans argue that expanding healthcare incentivizes illegal immigration, while Democrats view it as necessary support.
- DFL Senate Majority Leader warns of increased costs if care is cut.
- Rep. Her revealed her family’s undocumented status during legislative sessions on healthcare eligibility.
Legislative Spotlight on MinnesotaCare
Legislator Kaohly Vang Her has made headlines by sharing her family’s story during an intense debate over immigration reform in Minnesota. Her unexpected disclosure that she and her family hold undocumented status adds a personal and poignant dimension to the discussion. The family fled Vietnam believing they held legal passage due to her grandfather’s military ties, only to later learn their paperwork contained forgery.
Despite strong opposition from some lawmakers who see the expansion of MinnesotaCare to undocumented immigrants as an incentive for illegal immigration, Her advocates for the humane angle, urging policymakers to recognize the faces and sacrifices behind immigration numbers. She highlighted the significant economic and social contributions made by immigrants like her family.
Contention at the Capitol
Current applications for healthcare programs by undocumented residents have surpassed projections threefold, with 17,400 applicants. Costs associated with providing this healthcare have also surged to over $600 million, up from an initial estimate of $220 million. Republicans, including Sen. Jordan Rasmusson, argue that such programs create a pull factor for illegal immigration.
“This program creates an incentive for illegal immigrants to come to Minnesota.” – Sen. Jordan Rasmusson, R-Fergus Falls.
Opposition stem from concerns over taxpayer money being allotted to non-citizens. Conversely, Democrats, including DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, caution that denying care could increase costs elsewhere in health systems.
Her’s Personal Plea
The debate entered a new dimension when Rep. Her revealed her illegal status while advocating for the continuation of extended healthcare programs. This came during a special legislative session at the Minnesota State Capitol, where budget bills and healthcare coverage for undocumented immigrants were hotly contested.
“Nobody leaves their country unless they have to leave that country,” – Her.
Her believes every immigrant, regardless of their status, deserves the opportunity to contribute and live safely in America. While her office did not respond to Fox News Digital for further comment, her message was clear: the U.S. should remember the stories and hardships behind immigration statistics.
