FWIW, my MIL came over legally, but over age 65. She did not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, and no SS. She could not (at least at that time) get food stamps (SNAP). Once she became a citizen, which was pretty quick, then she qualified for assistance.

I had no problem with that. It was a problem for us, but as a matter of policy, I didn't have an issue. People who are here illegally shouldn't have access to any benefits. Federal or state. But states can do what they like.

If you're here illegally, you shouldn't be able to work, nor should you be eligible for benefits. Go home and do it the right way. Albaby specified that if they can't get work, then the benefits system will be stressed. Solution: no benefits. That will stop most of the flow dead in its tracks.

That said, this all presupposes a sane, easy to navigate, efficient migrant worker visa system. Sans that, all bets are off. Oh...and a humane asylum system so people aren't waiting for months or years to get a hearing. It's not right that they be in limbo so long.