Independent experts debunk the White House and Republican claim that Democrats caused the government shutdown to extend healthcare to undocumented immigrants. Experts state that undocumented individuals were already ineligible for Medicaid and ACA subsidies. The shutdown's core dispute involves the Trump administration's "One Big Beautiful Bill," which Democrats argue leads to tax breaks for billionaires funded by Medicaid cuts, while Republicans claim it prevents undocumented immigrants from receiving government health benefits. Experts contend the real issue is cutting insurance for low-income Americans.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.