During the election season, immigration has become a significant campaign issue, with President Biden’s move to provide health insurance for Dreamers standing in stark contrast to former President Trump’s efforts to end the DACA program. This new rule allows active recipients of DACA, known as “Dreamers,” to enroll in a qualified health plan or a basic health plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and receive some forms of financial assistance.
Neera Tanden, director of the Domestic Policy Council, emphasized that the final rule reflects President Biden’s commitment to protecting Dreamers and ensuring they have the necessary support to succeed. The president believes that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and that it should be accessible to DACA recipients just like other Americans. While this decision does not make DACA recipients eligible for Medicaid or certain parts of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, they will qualify for existing financial aid programs that are available to noncitizens who are ineligible for Medicaid due to their immigration status.
This new rule is an important step towards ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable healthcare, regardless of their immigration status. Dreamers are integral members of society and deserve access to healthcare just like everyone else. It’s hoped that this decision will pave the way for further immigration-related actions by the Biden administration on issues such as asylum policies and work permits for certain immigrants living in the country illegally.
