The state of California is reportedly considering offering discounted cellphone service to low-income illegal immigrants who do not have Social Security Numbers (SSNs).
A proposal that has been introduced before the California Public Utilities Commission, the “LifeLine” program, which subsidizes phone bills for low-income Californians to residents who do not have SSNs.
“The California Universal LifeLine Telephone Service Program (California LifeLine) should extend eligibility to Californians without a Social Security Number (SSN). This decision establishes a process for Californians without an SSN to enroll in California LifeLine,” the proposal reads.
In January 2024, California began an initiative that would allow all illegal immigrants residing in the state to be eligible for taxpayer-funded health insurance.
The plan would make California the first state in the nation to offer health insurance to the millions of illegal migrants present.
Previously, only illegal immigrant children qualified for the state’s insurance program, although Governor Gavin Newsom (D) expanded the program to allow those over 50 and between the ages of 19-25 to be eligible.
According to ABC News, the expansion allowed for all undocumented immigrants to qualify for Medi-Cal.
“In California, we believe everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care coverage – regardless of income or immigration status,” Newsom’s office told the outlet. “Through this expansion, we’re making sure families and communities across California are healthier, stronger, and able to get the care they need when they need it.”
