Buehler criticizes proposed US rule changes on immigrants

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – State Rep. Knute Buehler, seeking middle ground on immigration issues in his race for governor of Oregon, criticized the Trump administration for pursuing rule changes that could hurt health care for immigrants.

Oregon Public Broadcasting reports that the Bend physician on Thursday blasted a proposed rule from the Department of Homeland Security. It would make it harder for immigrants to win permanent residency in the U.S. if they use Medicaid and other public health programs.

Buehler, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, has been facing heat from immigration advocates upset at his support for Measure 105. That initiative would repeal Oregon’s three-decade old sanctuary law, which limits state and local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

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Buehler’s news release:

Rep. Knute Buehler Urges President Trump to Reconsider Rule Change Restricting Access to Health Care for Immigrants

Portland – The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a change to the public charge rules, which could negatively impact health care access for immigrants. Rep. Knute Buehler released the following statement in response.

“Access to care is critical to living a healthy and fulfilled life. We should not be discouraging access to health care, particularly for children, as a condition for citizenship. This does not reflect Oregon’s values and it is not the message we should be sending to our immigrant communities.”