Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is spearheading a lawsuit with 14 other states challenging the Biden-Harris administration's rule to allow DACA recipients to access subsidized health insurance through Obamacare.

The Kobach-led lawsuit claims that the Biden-Harris policy incentivizes illegal aliens to remain in the U.S. and imposes financial burdens on state taxpayers, as Breitbart reports, and the litigation comes at a time when Kamala Harris is hoping to build on early presidential election momentum.

Kansas AG Leads Legal Efforts

The lawsuit, which includes attorneys general from 15 states, is a response to a rule announced by the Biden-Harris administration in May that extends Obamacare benefits to some illegal aliens under the DACA program.

Joining Kansas in the lawsuit are attorneys general from Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Virginia.

This multi-state lawsuit is being filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota, aiming to challenge the rule's legality and its potential effects on state resources.

Lawsuit Filed Amidst Controversial Rule Change

The final rule, unveiled in May, allows an estimated 200,000 DACA recipients access to subsidized health plans through Obamacare. This move marks a significant policy shift from previous administrations.

The complaint argues that the new rule not only entices DACA recipients to stay in the U.S. with subsidized healthcare but also places a considerable financial strain on state resources.

"The Final Rule incentivizes DACA recipients, their children, and minors currently residing in Plaintiff States whose parents illegally entered the United States to remain in Plaintiff States," the lawsuit states.

Financial Burden on State Taxpayers

The lawsuit expresses concerns about various financial burdens imposed on state taxpayers due to this regulation. It points out that states have to cover costs for K-12 education and various public assistance programs for DACA recipients and their families.

According to the lawsuit, "Subsidized health insurance...is a valuable public benefit." This, the lawsuit claims, encourages illegal aliens to stay with superior healthcare benefits compared to their countries of origin. The states argue that the rule would require them to increase spending on indigent legal defense, emergency care, and the incarceration of DACA recipients.

Potential Cost Estimates for DACA Enrollees

The cost estimates mentioned in the case predict a significant financial impact. With about 100,000 DACA illegal aliens enrolling in Obamacare, the financial burden could reach $300 million annually, tapering up to $2.8 billion. These figures highlight the potential steep costs states may bear if the rule is implemented as planned.

This potential fiscal pressure has become a central argument for why the attorneys general from multiple states are united against this regulation.

The Historical Context of DACA

The DACA program was established by former President Barack Obama in 2012 through an executive order. It provided temporary relief from deportation and work authorizations for certain undocumented individuals brought to the U.S. as children.

However, Obama had previously assured during his State of the Union Address in 2012 that illegal aliens would not be eligible for Obamacare benefits. This assurance is now being scrutinized in light of the new rule, which plaintiffs argue contradicts that promise.

Political Reactions and Legislative Measures

Sen. JD Vance has also weighed in on the issue, emphasizing that the policy change would harm tax-paying citizens while benefiting illegal aliens. "Joe Biden’s response...is to give your hard-earned money away to illegal immigrants in the form of taxpayer-funded healthcare," Vance stated.

Vance has previously introduced a bill that aimed to ban illegal aliens from obtaining Obamacare benefits, illustrating the legislative efforts aligned against this new rule.

During Obama's 2012 address, Rep. Joe Wilson famously interrupted with, "You lie!" This memorable moment underscores the contentious nature of the debate about benefits for illegal aliens.

Conclusion

The legal battle led by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach with support from 14 other states seeks to overturn the Biden-Harris administration's regulation extending Obamacare benefits to DACA recipients.

The states involved raise concerns about the financial and social impacts of the rule, arguing that it incentivizes illegal aliens to stay in the U.S. and imposes significant financial burdens on state taxpayers.

With the court case filed in North Dakota, the results of this challenge could have far-reaching implications for both immigration policy and state budgets across the nation.