Obama: No Health Care For Illegal Immigrants

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: Health Care

(AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari )

Asked by CBS News' Katie Couric in an exclusive interview whether illegal immigrants should be covered under a new health care plan, President Obama responded simply, "no." But he said there may need to be an exception to that policy for children.

"First of all, I'd like to create a situation where we're dealing with illegal immigration, so that we don't have illegal immigrants," he said. "And we've got legal residents or citizens who are eligible for the plan. And I want a comprehensive immigration plan that creates a pathway to achieve that."

"The one exception that I think has to be discussed is how are we treating children," he continued. "Partly because if you've got children who may be here illegally but are still in playgrounds or at schools, and potentially are passing on illnesses and communicable diseases, that aren't getting vaccinated, that I think is a situation where you may have to make an exception."

More from the interview:

Obama: "Economists Are Often Wrong"

On Health Care Reform, Blue Dog Democrats and Illegal Immigrants

Watch CBS Videos Online

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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by janalv08 December 8, 2010 5:00 PM EST: I am a legal resident, born here from parents who arrived here on a visa and became US citizens. I never understood much about the issues that illegal immigrants face. If you don't know first hand what they experience and what they go through, who are you to pass judgement? You're just ignorant. A relative of mine is illegal. As soon as his family and him arrived to this country they appplied for documentation. Now, I might not know every detail of the process but I know enough to say that it is a struggle. Once they applied they were told the process would take about ten years, and of course be expensive, about 7,000 a person. Now that there papers are finally arriving, it's time to pay up. So before anyone goes off assuming that illegal immigrants aren't doing anything about it, keep this in mind. It takes time and money (from people who are most likely getting paid minimum wage). I know many people who have gone through the same process and are now legal residents. Before you go around pointing fingers at those who look illegal, look around you! I know many people who can pass off as "white" who were once not documented!; Reply to this comment


by fyre13 July 29, 2010 10:48 AM EDT: If you are a miscarriage of some 3rd world country. Poor, uneducated, and useless. Then the American doors are wide open.

If you are clean, educated and proper. Good luck immigrating to the states.

I had co workers who were here on H1B (work) visas and had to go back because they were laid off. They went back! Its the legal ting to do.
But they paid their taxes, paid for their health insurance, spoke perfect English and contributed to the American society. And yet.. they have absolutely no chance of coming back. Apparently America doesn't need good citizens, just voting sheep.; Reply to this comment


by nomi2025 July 6, 2010 9:53 PM EDT: im 22 i was brought here when i was about 9 years old. my dad is legal and im not lol...i got this lower back problem and i cant afford physical therapy. ive had this lower back problem since i was like 17 at that time i was able to get health care but when i turned 18 i couldnt get health care , i wasnt able to afford for college either because i couldnt get a job. basically if your 17 right now just jump out the window when your about to hit 18. hahah jk, but seriously unless your parents are rich you cant do anything at all besides playing video games at home or go to the gym. i cant go to the gym because of the lower back pain. i was able to go after 2 months of physical therapy. still obeying the law staying out of trouble hopefully they pass dream act. so i can get some physical therapy and get a job and go to the gym.; Reply to this comment


by SayItAgainSam May 12, 2010 5:10 PM EDT: I am thrilled that Obama is going to do the right, responsible, and humane action of granting what amounts to amnesty for the 12 million illegals in this country. Legalize them and they will be more than happy to pay their share. We could use the money now that Wall Street's organized gang of criminals has made off with the greatest bank heist of all time: depositors money and taxpayer funds. But hey, let's pick on the little guy, you smart, ever-so-intelligent Americans! Turn a blind eye to corporate crime and skilled worker visas going to European immigrants and other countries. But those aren't the jobs you qualify for anyway, right? Those that require an education and skill set? No,no. You've been happy wading at the bottom of the pool for so long that now you have to fight for the scraps. It is history repeating itself. Who cares anyway. Illegals are an easy target when it comes to the blame game right? Exposing your racist DNA must give you a sense of self worth and power over those who are disempowered-by-design. As long as government plays the role of slavemaster, deceiver, abuser, oppressor, theif, and extortionist to people of color and the poor, the American people will just have to accept the consquences and pay for their healthcare.; Reply to this comment


by Nuadormrac April 30, 2010 9:43 PM EDT: First, if the employer knows they're illegal and hires them, the employer is itself criminal. But more then likely many are in fact not filing taxes, but instead have taxes witheld by the employer.

It's nit picking at that point, but if they don't file to see if they owe more, or if a legal would get a refund; I would hardly call that paying taxes. They're simply trying to minimize a paper trail. And a good question in this is if the employer knows they are illegal, then exactly what happened with that W-2 form. I say it should get instantly forwarded over to INS with their current address, complaint, and request entered for possible deportation.

I would so support the e-verify program for employment. And as to the steps all must go through; it really wouldn't be more of a hassle then all the new steps involved in opening a bank account since 9/11, the new procedures to use a credit card through Paypal, or other such measures.

Though it could be argued splitting hairs; they didn't exactly pay taxes in the above, they just had them witheld and didn't exactly file with the IRS to claim the witholdings.; Reply to this comment

by Nuadormrac April 30, 2010 9:37 PM EDT

If they payed taxes and were registered with the IRS; then the federal government would know they are illegal and would have recourse to tip off INS that they should round the person up and deport them.

They don't pay taxes, nor would they. They mise well walk into court and say "hey I'm here illegally and breaking the law. What you gonna do about it, chum" lol

It's also why they can undercut our wages. A living wage for someone who can leech off wellfare and doesn't pay taxes is lower then what is required of someone who needs to give x% of their earnings to the IRS off the top, and don't get a free lunch.

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by truemoboy May 19, 2010 11:03 PM EDT: It's funny how, according to you, these illegal immigrants aren't registered so don't pay taxes, and at the same time ARE registered so they can "leech off wellfare [sic]".

Wow. They can be both simultaneously? That's pretty sweet. Is that like P.Diddy is a rapper AND A producer? All at once?


by irsuzy April 25, 2011 10:38 AM EDT: The IRS and the INS don't seem to communicate with each other. The IRS is only concerned if they are getting their tax money. I'm not sure if you are aware, but an illegal CAN obtain a "fake" social security number OR a TIN number so they can file and pay taxes. MANY illegals do this so that they have a record of working and paying taxes if they, later, have the opportunity to apply for legal residence.


by vivian-rn April 29, 2010 2:17 PM EDT: Let me first say I am a Nurse 15 minutes from the boarder. 90% of our patients don't speak english. Our hospital has to LOSE enough money to get help from the state. Which we always do. And don't think I am prejudice because I know many hispanic nurses who feel the health care in Mexico is better and cheaper and go there instead of getting care in the United States even though they are citizens here. So when nurses are going across the boarder (think about it). United States with all of its money has a broken health care system. Illegals come here because it is free. So the solution has to be "DONT MAKE IT FREE". Everyone should remember you get what you pay for. Everyone looking for a free ride in California, guess what, it is bankrupt from your free ride!; Reply to this comment


by vivian-rn April 29, 2010 2:13 PM EDT: Let me first say I am a Nurse 15 minutes from the boarder. 90% of our patients don't speak english. Our hospital has to LOSE enough money to get help from the state. Which we always do. And don't think I am prejudice because I know many hispanic nurses who feel the health care in Mexico is better and cheaper and go there instead of getting care in the United States even though they are citizens here. So when nurses are going across the boarder (think about it). United States with all of its money has a broken health care system. Illegals come here because it is free. So the solution has to be "DONT MAKE IT FREE". Everyone should remember you get what you pay for. Everyone looking for a free ride in California, guess what, it is bankrupt from your free ride!; Reply to this comment

by bigfatdaddyboo April 25, 2010 10:52 PM EDT

OK i am not an immigrant, but what is wrong with immigrants? Americans can be very lazy.. who are the main people you see working in construction, and if ya dislike Mexicans so much, why are ya pressed for there food. and who are most of your waitress? think before you talk. we are all immigrants, or were ya the first one's to come to America? And if ya are so worried about immigrants not paying taxes then why dont you guys have the guts to give immigrants some legal papers in order for them to work and pay taxes just like you and I. Besides we are not the only ones spitting out babies, LOOk around!! Ok and if ya so worried about immigrants taking all the jobs, get ya behinds out of ya house and look for some. besides many do say that immigrants work better then anyone else. we all have the rights to be free. Martin Luther King fought for freedom and it seems like it is all starting all over again, i am not trying to offend anyone, i am just trying to defend everyone's right. How about if you were an Immigrant, think about it? and the only reason immigrants come to this country is because our countries are very poor, many of you guys wouldnt even survive a week!!!!

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by romartohio April 29, 2010 11:03 PM EDT: The health care is not the solution. Each state needs to require a blanket insurance policy for all aliens legal or illegal. If you are legal you have an insurance policy. This policy would cover all losses of the host country...US. If a foreign national wants to get a driver's license, lodging, transportation, financial services, and/or to utilize communications they would need an general indemnity insurance of a minimum of 2 to 10 million dollars. This way illegals would not have the insurance and stand out. If the illegal came in legal and overstayed the would stand out. If ICE needed to hunt them down the insurance would pay off. If the illegal demands a deportation hearing....the insurance would have to pay both sides of the bills.

Insurance companies would make sure only good risks would be given insurance. Thus a second eye on the foreign citizens background and they would need the insurance prior to boarding in a foreign nation.

This gets the immigrants off the taxpayers back.

by JizMack April 21, 2010 3:04 AM EDT

oh and another thing, those people who apply for citizenship shouldnt even be allowed to apply unless, they can read, speak , write and understand ENGLISH. It should be ILLEGAL in this country to say "I no speak english" you say that you should go through the process of jail time then proving your citizenship then the deportation process and if you prove you are legal then your citizenship should be revoked. Thats disrespect for the country in which adopted you. Eliminate multilanguage documents. My bumpersticker on my truck here in Bakersfield Ca, reads" Press One For English! My A.. I served my Country. Why do I have to press one...

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