Statement from Senator James Sanders Jr.

“I am deeply troubled by reports that lawfully present immigrant seniors — individuals who have worked, paid taxes, and contributed to Medicare for decades — are now facing the loss of their health coverage.

This is not just a policy issue. This is a matter of fairness and basic human dignity.

We are talking about seniors who did everything right — who followed the rules, contributed to the system, raised families, and helped build this country. To now deny them access to the very benefits they paid into is not only unjust, it undermines the integrity of the system itself.

I have always stood for equity, whether in housing, banking, or reparations. This situation is no different. If you pay into a system, you should be able to benefit from it. We cannot create a framework where people are good enough to contribute, but not worthy enough to receive.

This is also bad public health policy. The latest COVID-19 outbreak reminded us of a simple truth: our health is interconnected. The only real safety we have is when everyone has access to quality healthcare. When we deny care to one group, we put all communities at risk. Public health does not work in isolation — it works when everyone is protected.

We must also consider the real-world consequences. When seniors lose access to preventive care, they do not stop getting sick — they end up in emergency rooms with more severe conditions, increasing strain on the healthcare system and driving up costs for everyone.

This is not sound policy. It is short-sighted and harmful.

As a state and as a nation, we must ensure that our policies reflect our values. That means protecting those who have contributed, honoring their work, and ensuring they can age with dignity.

I will continue to advocate for fairness, for accountability, and for policies that do not leave our most vulnerable behind.”

— Senator James Sanders Jr.