Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced Wednesday that the state is joining 13 others in a legal effort to uphold health insurance access for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. The move comes as a federal court challenge threatens to dismantle a Biden administration rule expanding health care options for the group often referred to as “Dreamers.”
The contested rule, which took effect on November 1, 2024, for the first time permits DACA recipients to enroll in health insurance plans offered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This expansion marks a significant shift in health care policy, extending benefits to approximately 580,000 young immigrants who were brought to the United States as children and remain in the country under DACA protections.
Rayfield emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable access to health care for all eligible residents. “Dreamers are an integral part of our communities, contributing to our workforce, schools, and economy,” he said in a statement. “This legal challenge threatens to undo critical progress, and Oregon is committed to standing up for these individuals and their rights.”
The Biden administration’s rule, announced earlier in 2024, aimed to address long-standing health care disparities affecting DACA recipients. Prior to the rule, Dreamers were excluded from ACA coverage options, even as they paid taxes and contributed to the country’s economy. The new regulation allowed them to purchase insurance through state exchanges and access Medicaid in states where eligibility requirements were met.
However, the rule faced immediate backlash from opponents who argue that expanding federal health care programs to DACA recipients places undue strain on resources and conflicts with existing immigration laws. A coalition of states filed a lawsuit challenging the rule, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle over the rights of undocumented immigrants with temporary legal protections.
Oregon’s decision to join the multi-state coalition underscores its broader commitment to immigrant rights and health care equity. The coalition of states siding with the Biden administration argues that denying DACA recipients access to health care is not only morally wrong but also economically short-sighted.
Supporters of the rule highlight the contributions of DACA recipients to their communities, noting that many work in essential industries, including health care, education, and agriculture. Advocates argue that providing these individuals with access to health insurance will improve public health outcomes and reduce the burden of uncompensated care on hospitals and taxpayers.
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for DACA recipients and the future of the program itself. Since its inception in 2012, DACA has faced repeated legal challenges, leaving recipients in a state of uncertainty regarding their legal status and access to basic resources.
For now, Oregon and the other intervening states are prepared to defend the rule in court, emphasizing that the health and well-being of Dreamers are closely tied to the overall health of the communities they call home.
As the legal battle unfolds, the case represents more than just a fight over health care—it is a reflection of the ongoing debate over immigration policy and the values that define the nation’s approach to inclusivity and fairness.