May 14, 2026
Los Angeles, Calif. (May 14, 2026) — Today, the California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) issued the following statement after Gov. Gavin Newsom released his May revised budget proposal for the fiscal year 2026-27.
“Immigrants built California’s prosperity and the economic ‘dominance’ that Gov. Newsom celebrated today. They build its homes, start businesses and pay billions in taxes that sustain the very programs now being denied to them. With $16.5 billion more in projected revenue and $40 billion in reserves, the governor had every tool and every reason to invest in the health and safety of communities that built California’s strength. He chose not to. That is not a fiscal decision. It’s a political one and it makes his approach dangerously close to that of President Trump,” CIPC Executive Director Masih Fouladi said.
“Immigrant Californians have contributed to and relied upon the Medi-Cal system for decades. Yet the governor refuses to lift the Medi-Cal enrollment freeze, restore dental benefits, or extend full-scope Medi-Cal to humanitarian immigrants losing eligibility under H.R. 1 — while proposing to increase planned monthly premiums solely for certain immigrant enrollees. Moreover, the governor is proposing a wholesale shift in how immigrant Californians access Medi-Cal next year, despite this being his final year in office and many candidates running to replace him expressing support for protecting health care for all. The governor has the resources and the opportunity to continue to lead on immigrant access to health care. He did not.
“We are encouraged by the governor’s proposed $20 million increase to California’s investment in immigration legal services — a lifeline for tens of thousands of children, families, and neighbors facing deportation. But the scale of the problem is much more significant than the proposed funding increase. Demand for deportation defense is surging, Youth Legal Services must be bolstered, and we must increase the pro bono legal services capacity of underserved regions like the Central Valley, Central Coast, Inland Empire, Imperial Valley and North State. We call on the governor and legislature to secure the full $50 million investment this moment demands.
“We commend the governor for reaffirming California’s commitment to the October 2027 rollout of the California Food Assistance Program for immigrant Californians 55 and older. But a promise for 2027 does not feed the families being cut off today. Since April 1, approximately 6,000 residents have lost CalFresh benefits. Hunger does not wait for budget negotiations. The governor must act now to ensure that no Californian goes without food because of where they were born.
“We also welcome the governor opening the door to a conversation about sustainable revenue generation. The state cannot continue to balance its budget on the backs of communities who contribute most to its economy while shielding the corporations and wealthy interests who benefit most from their labor. We can and must go further than what the governor has proposed. We urge the governor and legislature to ensure corporations pay their fair share.
“Budget negotiations between the legislature and governor will continue in the coming weeks. We urge community members, advocates and partners to bring their voices, their stories and their moral clarity to the Capitol in the weeks ahead.
“California has the revenue, the reserves, the legal authority and the moral obligation to do what is right. We give the governor credit for the programs being funded in this proposal that support immigrant communities, but access to full scope Medi-Cal is and continues to be the number one priority for immigrant communities across the state. The legislature has until June 15 to finish the job and we call on the governor not to abandon his legacy of championing Health for All.”
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