East Central Reporter

Chris Miller, a State Representative from Illinois, said that the state is projected to spend more than $2.5 billion on migrant care by the end of 2025. He argued that this expenditure comes at the expense of Illinois families. The statement was made on Facebook.

"Illinois taxpayers will have spent over $2.5 billion on migrant care by the end of 2025," said Chris G. Miller, according to Facebook. "The quality of life for Illinois families has been shattered because of the radical Democrats handing out money to illegals! In just a couple days, Pritzker will have to answer to Congress about his protections for illegals."

According to AP News, Illinois lawmakers recently debated funding for migrant care in the fiscal year 2026 budget. Governor J.B. Pritzker proposed significant cuts to the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program while maintaining coverage for seniors. Critics warned that such reductions could weaken public health and increase uncompensated hospital costs.

Illinois is projected to have spent over $2.5 billion on migrant care programs by the end of 2025, including more than $1.6 billion for non-citizen health care (Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors and Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults) from fiscal year 2021 to fiscal year 2024, according to recent audits cited by Illinois Policy.

In comparison, California spent $538 million annually on undocumented immigrant health benefits for about 43,300 enrollees. This figure was trimmed in Illinois amid budget strain, reflecting a regional pattern of escalating state-level migrant spending as noted by AP News.

Miller is a Republican State Representative for Illinois’ 101st District, first elected in January 2023. He is a lifelong farmer and grain operator, an alumnus of Eureka College, and a vocal critic of state spending on non-citizen services. He positions himself on committees affecting agriculture and state fiscal policy, as reported by Ballotpedia.