The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is being criticized after it was discovered that the department has also been using its resources to treat illegal immigrants as well, taking away care designed to care for veterans.
A July report from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated that the agency has a contract with the VA to process medical claims reimbursements for illegal immigrants, all of whom have never served in the U.S. military. They are treated by medical professionals on-site. Those who need emergency or specialized care are transported to private providers.
According to Terrence Hayes, a spokesperson for the VA, the organization does not provide any healthcare services to individuals detained by ICE. He reported that all healthcare expenses are paid for and provided by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Service Corps.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) questioned a panel of Biden administration officials about the VA’s role in regards to providing illegal immigrants healthcare during a Senate hearing last month.
This month, Tuberville introduced legislation that would stop the VA from using its resources from being used to provide taxpayer-funded healthcare to illegal immigrants.
“Joe Biden is putting illegal immigrants over America’s veterans,” he said in a statement. “It is outrageous. Our veterans should not be forced to wait in long lines at VA medical centers and clinics to get the care they earned while illegal immigrants waltz across our open border and get taxpayer-funded healthcare they never earned.”
Tuberville is not the only senator coming down on the VA. Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) introduced a House companion bill to Tuberville’s. Bost is chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and a veteran himself.
“Joe Biden’s failed border policies have created a humanitarian and national security crisis,” Bost said in a statement. “Now it appears he’s taking resources away from our veterans to facilitate healthcare for illegal migrants. As a Marine, I believe any dollar taken away from a veteran is a promise broken to those who served.”
According to one Border Patrol agent, other veterans they knew were struggling to access healthcare, while illegal immigrants had an easier time.
“They get pretty much not what they want, but pretty much what they need, whether it’s a specialist…they get it,” the agent reported.
The agent also reported knowing veterans who were also struggling financially.
“And we’re here helping everybody else, in our own backyard.”
Yup illegals are being treated by the VA and not even paying for it we are and every veteran is getting pushed to the side. For illegals, this should piss off every American in this country that we are now Putting Illegal Aliens in front of our Veteran’s. How is this even… https://t.co/OV3gHlcFH8
— Smurf ❌ (@Smurf4555) December 3, 2023
Veterans have risked their lives serving their country only to be treated as second class citizens. It appears that the Biden administration values illegal immigrants over America’s heroes.
