PolitiFact: Facebook meme makes false claims about benefits to immigrants who cross border illegally

The statement

"If you cross the border illegally in the U.S., you get a driver's license, medical insurance, housing, career training, the right to vote."

Viral image, Oct. 31 in a Facebook post

The ruling

A popular meme on Facebook gives the false impression that people who cross into the United States illegally are automatically given a wide range of benefits, including the right to vote.

This post was flagged as part of Facebook's efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed.

Immigrants who are apprehended by Border Patrol are not provided the benefits the meme claims, they're rather placed in removal proceedings or returned to their countries. Some may apply for immigration protections such as asylum, but that still doesn't immediately grant them privileges such as a driver's license or the right to vote.

Immigrants who live in the United States illegally are generally barred from most federal benefits. However, in some states, low-income children can be eligible for health insurance regardless of immigration status.

Some states also issue drivers' licenses to people who are illegally in the United States. But those things are not guaranteed or broadly available across the country. The meme misleads and leaves out significant context to create a false narrative.

Driver's license

States are responsible for issuing drivers' licenses -- and most don't issue them to immigrants in the country illegally.

About a dozen states do grant driving privileges regardless of immigration status. Those cards are limited for driving and not valid as official forms of identification for federal purposes. Some states call the cards a Driving Privilege Card or Driving Authorization Card. Immigrants must provide certain required documentation in order to get the cards.

Medical insurance

Immigrants in the country illegally are ineligible to buy medical insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. They are also ineligible for non­emergency Medicaid.

However, some states, such as California, allow low-income, undocumented children and youth under 19 years old to get medical coverage through their state's Medicaid program.

Under law, hospitals can't turn away someone needing emergency care based on immigration status.

Housing

Individuals living illegally in the United States are ineligible for federal housing assistance. But it's possible that they live in a household where someone is a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen eligible for housing benefits.

In 2017, the Office of Inspector General within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development asked the department to clarify and offer guidance on noncitizen eligibility for some programs.

Career training

This is vague. But children in the country illegally are allowed to go to public school regardless of immigration status. This was guaranteed by a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court case.

Right to vote

Noncitizens are not allowed to vote for candidates running for federal office, such as the presidency or Congress. However, a small number of jurisdictions allow noncitizens to vote in local elections for school board or city council.

If someone crossed into the United States illegally and eventually became a naturalized U.S. citizen, that person would have the right to vote as would someone born in the United States.

The post leaves out important context to distort the facts. We rate it False.