A federal judge has blocked the Biden administration’s attempt to extend Obamacare coverage to DACA recipients, dealing a blow to the controversial policy.
At a Glance
- U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor ruled against the Biden administration’s policy to provide Affordable Care Act coverage to DACA recipients.
- The decision affects 19 states involved in the lawsuit, led by Kansas and Texas.
- The ruling states that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services lacks authority to redefine “lawfully present.”
- Republican attorneys general argue the policy would encourage illegal immigration.
- Approximately 90,000 DACA recipients in Texas alone could have benefited from the federal guidance.
Judge Blocks Biden’s Obamacare Expansion for DACA Recipients
In a significant legal setback for the Biden administration, U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor has temporarily blocked a rule that would have allowed recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to access health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by Texas and 18 other Republican-led states against the federal government.
Judge Traynor’s decision hinges on the interpretation of the term “lawfully present.” The court found that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) overstepped its authority by broadly interpreting this phrase to include DACA recipients. This ruling effectively halts the implementation of the policy in the 19 states involved in the lawsuit.
A federal judge blocks a Biden administration rule that allowed DACA recipients to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. https://t.co/UeMsnLQal0
— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 10, 2024
Republican States Lead Opposition
The legal challenge was spearheaded by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, with support from 18 other Republican attorneys general. These states, including Texas, Florida, and Ohio, argued that the Biden administration’s policy would serve as a magnet for illegal immigration and contradicted congressional intent.
“Congress never intended that illegal aliens should receive Obama care benefits.” – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton praised the ruling, framing it as a victory against what he perceives as the Biden administration’s prioritization of illegal immigrants over American citizens. The decision has reignited the ongoing debate over immigration policy and healthcare access in the United States.
Impact on DACA Recipients
The ruling could have far-reaching consequences for thousands of DACA recipients in the affected states. Prior to this policy, DACA recipients were largely excluded from government-funded health insurance programs, relying instead on job-based coverage, state programs, or community health clinics. The blocked rule would have opened up new avenues for affordable healthcare for this vulnerable population.
A federal judge on Monday issued a court order temporarily blocking a Biden administration rule that would have granted some people brought into the country illegally as children access to health coverage under the Affordable Care Act.https://t.co/0jIs1ep7nS
— Houston Public Media (@HoustonPubMedia) December 10, 2024
In Texas alone, an estimated 90,000 DACA recipients could have benefited from the federal guidance. Immigration advocacy groups argue that access to healthcare would help reduce disparities faced by DACA recipients, many of whom have lived in the United States since childhood.
Looking Ahead
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Department of Health and Human Services are reviewing the court’s decision and its potential impact. However, the agencies have not commented on the ongoing litigation. The ruling’s scope is limited to the 19 states involved in the lawsuit, leaving the possibility for the policy to remain in effect elsewhere.
“Given that President-elect Trump tried to end DACA during his first term and his views on immigration more broadly, the Trump administration seems unlikely to appeal any ruling against DACA or the coverage expansion.” – Drishti Pillai
As the legal battle continues, the future of healthcare access for DACA recipients remains uncertain. The ruling underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Biden administration in implementing its immigration and healthcare policies, particularly in states with opposing political views.
Sources:
- Federal judge blocks Obamacare coverage for DACA recipients in 19 states
- US judge blocks Biden healthcare rule for DACA immigrants in some states
- Federal judge blocks rule that would have given DACA recipients access to Affordable Care Act coverage
- Judge Blocks Biden Admin From Giving DACA Recipients Obamacare
