Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Immigration Issues Take Center Stage

Four years after Russian efforts to sow division in the U.S., Rubio warned: "I’m not sure that we’re any less vulnerable than we once were."
AP
/
The Florida Channel
Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.

While U.S. Sen.Marco Rubio and other Florida lawmakers tout their support for an overhaul of immigration policies, a showdown over emergency room care for illegal immigrants continues in Florida.

The Agency for Healthcare Administration is appealing a ruling concerning the extent of care Medicaid would pay for, News Service of Florida reports. A judge agreed with hospitals that AHCA violated state rules when it adopted the new standards.

That case highlights just one of the issues involving illegal immigration -- now, some lawmakers at the federal level are looking at a comprehensive overhaul.

"I see the good of immigration, I see how important it is for our future,” Rubio said. He also noted the problems of illegal immigration and the need for policy changes, the Naples Daily News reports.  

Rubio, a Republican, is backed by Florida’s other U.S. senator, Democrat Bill Nelson. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, whose district is in South Florida, said a bill he helped draft in the House is very similar to what lawmakers in the Senate want, according to the Daily News.
 

Lottie Watts covers health and health policy for Health News Florida, now a part of WUSF Public Media. She also produces Florida Matters, WUSF's weekly public affairs show.