In a significant policy shift, the Biden administration has announced a rule change that will allow many DACA recipients to access health care through the Affordable Care Act. This development comes just before the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

The new regulation, which was published last Friday, specifically alters the definition of "lawfully present" under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and enables individuals who arrived in the U.S. as minors and are protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, to secure health coverage through HealthCare.gov and various state-based marketplaces, as Fox News reports.

Biden Administration Takes Historic Step for DACA Recipients

Starting from November 1, over 100,000 DACA recipients who were previously uninsured are expected to benefit from this rule. This change marks a substantial expansion of the ACA's reach, aiming to include those who have been significantly integrated into American society despite their immigration status.

The DACA program, initiated in 2012, was designed to protect from deportation certain individuals who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children.

This group, often referred to as "Dreamers," has been at the center of extensive political debate concerning their rights and status in the U.S.

Legal Challenges and Presidential Actions Surrounding DACA

Attempts to dismantle DACA by the Trump administration were thwarted by the Supreme Court in 2020, ensuring the program's continuation.

However, a 2021 lawsuit following a federal appeals court decision has since halted new enrollments, spotlighting the program's fragile nature and the ongoing legal battles surrounding it.

Amid these challenges, President Joe Biden has made concerted efforts to "preserve and fortify" DACA.

His administration has consistently pushed for legislative reforms that would secure a more permanent status for Dreamers, advocating for a pathway to citizenship that only Congress can provide.

Presidential Commitment to DACA Recipients' Welfare

"I’m proud of the contributions of Dreamers to our country and committed to providing Dreamers the support they need to succeed," stated President Biden. He emphasized the administration's dedication to ensuring that DACA recipients receive similar health care access as other residents through the ACA.

On his first day in office, President Biden sent a comprehensive immigration reform plan to Congress, highlighting the necessity for permanent solutions for DACA recipients and their families. "Only Congress can provide Dreamers permanent status and a pathway to citizenship. Congress must act," he urged.

Vice President Harris Advocates for Legislative Action

Vice President Kamala Harris has also voiced strong support for protective measures for DACA recipients, while stressing the temporary nature of the current solutions. "President Biden and I will continue to do everything in our power to protect DACA, but it is only a temporary solution. Congress must act to ensure Dreamers have the permanent protections they deserve," Harris remarked.

As the administration seeks to expand access to health care for DACA recipients, it also faces challenges related to broader immigration issues, particularly at the southern border.

The administration has called for additional funding and reforms to manage the border crisis effectively, countering Republican demands for a reinstatement of stricter border policies from the previous administration.

Impact of New Health Care Rule on Immigration Debate

This new rule not only impacts the lives of many young immigrants but also potentially influences the broader immigration reform debate in the United States.

By integrating DACA recipients into the ACA, the Biden administration underscores its stance on health care as a fundamental right, extending even to non-citizens who have grown up and lived in the U.S. for most of their lives.

In conclusion, the rule change by the Biden administration represents a pivotal moment in U.S. immigration policy, potentially affecting the lives of over 100,000 DACA recipients.

With health care access now expanded, the administration continues to urge Congress for a more stable and permanent solution for all Dreamers.