WHAT’S HAPPENING
A new investigation by the Manhattan Institute reveals that California has built what they call a "shadow welfare system" specifically designed to funnel taxpayer-funded benefits to illegal migrants.
The investigation found California taxpayers spent at least $11 billion subsidizing illegals in the last fiscal year through a network of parallel state-funded programs that circumvent federal restrictions.
THE FACTS
City Journal reporters visited four California welfare offices, where officials openly confirmed illegal migrants can enroll in public programs.
A Glendale welfare officer explained: "If [you are] a citizen, you cannot get CAPI. Not being [a] citizen [is the key]."
A five-person household with illegal parents can receive more than $100,000 annually in combined public benefits.
California's Medi-Cal expansion for illegal migrants enrolled 1.7 million people, costing $10 billion yearly — double the original projection.
The state tells welfare applicants that a simple "statement" of intent to become eligible is sufficient to qualify for benefits.
Governor Gavin Newsom (D) bragged about extending Medi-Cal to illegals; his wife promoted tax credits requiring "no Social Security number."
California offers illegal migrants subsidized car insurance, free phones with service, and college grants with no citizenship requirements.
California received $617.5 million of the $759 million in federal TANF funds distributed to illegal-migrant households in 2024.
Non-citizen households use welfare at 62 percent in California versus 38 percent for native-born households.
OUR TAKE
This investigation into California shows that illegal migrants aren't merely being allowed to remain in the country under what amounts to de facto amnesty, but are also receiving benefits that American citizens spend thousands of dollars to obtain themselves — all funded by the taxpayer.
How many California residents struggle to pay their taxes and receive few or no benefits themselves? The scandal uncovered here is a major slap in the face to hardworking people and is the predictable result of leftist governance and suicidal empathy.
