Arizona State Capitol Building in Phoenix. (dszc via Getty Images)
"The information does not get passed to other agencies, and if they show up in need of care irrespective, they will be treated. This bill is to enable Americans to know where their tax dollars are going," she continued.
However, critics of the bill believe it will act as a deterrent for some seeking medical care and could have broader negative impacts.
"Anytime that we are asking people to disclose their immigration status, we know that that is going to make people reluctant to go into those settings," Democratic state Sen. Eva Burch said while explaining her vote against the legislation.
"It’s bad for public health in general when people are not seeking care," she added, arguing that the cost concerns are unfounded because many people in the country unlawfully still pay for public healthcare costs through taxes.
The bill passed the state Senate 17-12 along party lines, and it is now in the hands of the Republican-majority House. If it passes that chamber, it will then end up on Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs’ desk for final approval or veto.
MEXICO BROKE INTERNATIONAL LAW WITH THE CARTELS AND AMERICANS SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES
Then-former President Donald Trump attends a town hall, moderated by then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center and Fairgrounds in Oaks, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 14, 2024. (IM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
The influx of people entering the country illegally through the southern border has greatly reduced in recent weeks with the return of the Trump administration, as just over 8,300 migrant encounters made by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in February.
"Under the leadership of [President Donald Trump] & [Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem], Feb 2025 saw just 8,326 encounters at the Southwest border—the lowest documented by U.S. Border Patrol," CBP posted Saturday. "The mission is clear: secure the border, enforce the law, and protect American sovereignty."
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Cameron Arcand is a politics writer at Fox News Digital in Washington D.C. Story tips can be sent to Cameron.Arcand@Fox.com and on Twitter: @cameron_arcand
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/skyrocketing-healthcare-costs-illegal-immigrants-sparks-border-state-outcry