Young adult immigrants known as “Dreamers” will be temporarily barred from accessing health insurance through the Affordable Care Act’s public marketplace in 19 U.S. states, following a ruling by a federal judge. This decision, issued by Judge Daniel Traynor of the U.S. Court in North Dakota, represents a significant setback for the Biden administration’s efforts to expand healthcare access for immigrants brought to the U.S. unlawfully as minors.
The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by Republican attorneys general in these states, who argued that allowing Dreamers to obtain health coverage could impose financial burdens on state resources and contradict existing laws that limit government benefits for undocumented immigrants. The plaintiffs claimed that the Biden administration’s policy could encourage unlawful immigration by providing access to subsidized healthcare.
The decision affects an estimated 147,000 Dreamers who were expected to enroll in health coverage under this policy. In response, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) stated they are reviewing the lawsuit but did not comment further due to ongoing litigation. Advocates for Dreamers expressed disappointment over the ruling, emphasizing that many have been waiting years for access to essential health services.
This legal battle highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and healthcare access in the U.S., particularly as it pertains to vulnerable populations like Dreamers. The ruling is expected to remain in effect until the case is fully resolved in court, leaving many without crucial health insurance options for the time being.
