08.12.2024 / Statement

Lawsuit Aiming to Block DREAM Act Final Rule Threatens Health Care Equity and Access

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yael Lehmann, interim executive director of Families USA, issued the following statement in response to the lawsuit seeking to block the Biden administration’s implementation of the final rule to expand health care access to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients (or “Dreamers”) through the Affordable Care Act:

“It is unconscionable that 15 states are seeking to prevent DACA recipients – many who are students or working and have families–   from accessing the critical health coverage they are legally entitled, under this Biden-Harris Administration rulemaking. This lawsuit disregards the vital contributions they make every day to this country and the lawful protections they have as residents.

“Immigrants are a core component of our nation’s social and economic fabric and deserve access to health care coverage. The Biden-Harris Administration’s final ruling would expand health care access to an estimated 200,000 DACA recipients, only a fraction of the total immigrant population in the country.

“We urge the court to uphold the final ruling and support Dreamers and immigrants who play a critical role in our health care and agricultural workforces, and contribute billions in taxes to our country each year.”

 In 2023, Families USA submitted this comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to ensure health care coverage for DACA recipients.

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Families USA, a leading national voice for health care consumers, is dedicated to the achievement of high quality, affordable health care and improved health for all.