A coalition of 15 Republican-led states has filed a federal lawsuit to stop the Biden administration’s plan to extend health care coverage to approximately 100,000 undocumented immigrants who currently fall under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The legal challenge is unfolding against a backdrop of fluctuating border crossings and cities grappling with resource allocation for migrants.
Back in May, the administration published a rule making all of these immigrants, commonly referred to as “Dreamers,” eligible for health care through the Affordable Care Act.
The rule would allow DACA Dreamers to enroll in the ACA’s health insurance in 2025.
Now, the GOP-led lawsuit, which was filed in North Dakota, argues that the new rule violates federal laws and aims to prevent those immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children from accessing subsidized health insurance.
The complaint states that the ACA mandates that only U.S. citizens, nationals or aliens “lawfully present” are eligible to enroll in a qualified health plan through a subsidized exchange.
The Biden administration argues that extending health coverage to Dreamers will benefit their individual well-being and strengthen the nation’s overall health and economy.
The rule is set to go into effect Nov. 1, just days before the 2024 presidential election.
Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee and Virginia are all a part of the lawsuit.
