BISMARCK, N.D. — A federal court has determined that young adult immigrants, often referred to as “Dreamers,” will not have access to health insurance via the Affordable Care Act’s public marketplace in 19 states, marking a significant hurdle for policies introduced by the Biden administration aimed at assisting undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children.
U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Traynor, based in North Dakota, issued this ruling on Monday, effectively blocking an initiative that was projected to allow approximately 147,000 immigrants to obtain health coverage. This ruling follows a lawsuit initiated regarding the policy and will remain in force until a trial is conducted to address the matter.
The ruling impacts immigrants in 19 states, where Republican attorneys general have launched lawsuits to prevent implementation of the new healthcare guidelines. Their primary concern involves the possibility of undocumented immigrants qualifying for public subsidies typically available to other ACA enrollees.
Republican officials in these states maintain that the rule established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services earlier this year would encourage undocumented immigrants to stay in the U.S., raising concerns about potential financial burdens on the states. They argue that both the Affordable Care Act and legislation from 1996 prohibits any federal benefits from being provided to those living in the U.S. illegally.
“Dreamers,” individuals who are part of a program that protects them from deportation, could face challenges. The ruling comes amidst broader political shifts, especially following Donald Trump’s recent electoral victory in which he pledged to enforce strict immigration policies.
In his decision, Judge Traynor, who was appointed by Trump, concluded that gaining access to subsidized healthcare under the ACA could indeed serve as a significant incentive for unauthorized immigrants to remain in the country, which could lead to financial burdens for states.
While the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services acknowledged the ongoing litigation without providing specific comments, some advocates expressed profound disappointment at the ruling. Nicholas Espíritu, a deputy legal director at the National Immigration Law Center, noted that many Dreamers have been anticipating access to essential health coverage through the ACA for over a decade.
“Judge Traynor’s ruling is both disappointing and misaligned with the law,” Espíritu stated, underscoring the commitment of advocates to continue pushing for the rights of Dreamers.
On the other hand, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach celebrated the ruling as a triumph for legal adherence. he criticized the Biden administration for attempting to redefine immigration status through executive actions, labeling the policy as incoherent.
North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley emphasized that decisions regarding how to manage undocumented immigrants reside with Congress and not with executive powers. He indicated that public concern revolves around the implications of immigrant access to healthcare and the financial responsibilities that taxpayers bear.
In total, Kansas and North Dakota spearheaded the lawsuit initially filed in August, joined by numerous other states including Alabama, Florida, and Texas, among others. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall expressed optimism following the ruling, suggesting that it is a setback for what he perceives as a radical agenda from the Biden administration.