President Biden Announces Plan to Extend Health Coverage for DACA Recipients
Alexandra Fuxa • May 25, 2023
Last week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced it plans to extend health care coverage for DACA recipients. Shortly, the Department of Health and Human Services will be proposing a rule amending the definition of “lawful presence” for purposes of Medicaid and Affordable Care Act Coverage to include DACA recipients. The proposed rule is expected to go live by the end of this month – so keep your eyes peeled for its announcement!
Under the proposed rule, DACA recipients will be able to apply for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, where they might qualify for financial assistance based on income, and through their state’s Medicaid agency.
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), states were authorized to expand Medicaid to many low-income individuals under the age of 65 who were previously ineligible for coverage. The ACA established a new income eligibility limit of 138% of the federal poverty level. Currently, in the state of California, an immigrant who meets all eligibility requirements for Medi-Cal but is not in a satisfactory immigration status, will not qualify for full scope Medi-Cal but is entitled to emergency and pregnancy-related services and, when needed, state-funded long-term care.
While we wait for Congress to act, below are some Federal programs. Opportunities, and resources available to DACA recipients:
- Emergency Medicaid: This program pays for emergency medical treatment for people who meet Medicaid eligibility requirements in their state, but do not meet Medicaid’s citizenship and immigration status requirements.
- Mother to Baby: This HRSA-funded program provides expert, confidential, and no-cost information about the impact of medications, drugs, or other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Their services are provided in English and Spanish.
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): WIC provides pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding individuals, as well as infants and children under 5 years old, with food, nutrition and breastfeeding education, and referrals to health and social services.
- FHA Financing: FHA programs insure private loans made by FHA-approved lenders and FHA-backed loans can help reduce down payments for a home or condominium.
- American Job Centers: These organizations help job seekers obtain employment and training to further their careers. American Job Centers provide counseling, skill and ability assessments, and advice on in-demand jobs and potential training opportunities. DACA recipients with a valid work authorization may have access to the programs offered by American Job Centers.
- Job Corps: This is a no-cost education and vocational training program administered by the US Department of Labor, which empowers individuals ages 16-24 to secure good jobs and become independent. Job Corp students have access to room and board while they learn skills in specific training areas.
If you have any questions about your eligibility for certain programs as a DACA recipient, it is highly recommended you reach out to a reputable immigration attorney.
This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.
Under the new regulation, if a person filed or files Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal after October 1, 2024, and the application remains pending with USCIS for 365 days, the applicant must pay an Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) on the one-year anniversary of his or her filing date.
It’s no secret that the U.S. immigration system has faced increased scrutiny and change in recent months. From evolving policies to headlines filled with uncertainty, it’s understandable that many individuals are left wondering: Is this still the right time to pursue a future in the United States? The answer is yes—and here’s why. Despite the shifting political landscape, the core structure of U.S. immigration law remains firmly in place. While the process may appear more complex or demanding than it once was, the legal pathways to live, work, and thrive in the United States are still open and accessible to those who take the proper steps. What often gets lost in the conversation is that the United States remains a country built on innovation, creativity, and resilience. It continues to attract global talent, entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals from all walks of life. Whether you are launching a business, advancing your career, or seeking a better life for your family, the United States offers unparalleled opportunities to those who are prepared and determined. Much of what makes the United States a global economic and technological leader today is the direct result of contributions made by immigrants. Nearly half of the current Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Immigrant entrepreneurs have long been an essential part of America’s economic success story. Some of the largest and most recognizable American companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants. This includes household names such as Apple and Costco. Moderna, the pharmaceutical company and vaccine producer, was founded by a Canadian-born stem cell biologist, Derrick J. Rossi, whose parents themselves emigrated from Malta. These success stories are not outliers; they are part of a broader pattern that reflects the drive, innovation, and resilience that immigrants bring to the country. The United States also offers one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in the world. It is a place where hard work, fresh ideas, and entrepreneurial vision are rewarded. For creative professionals, business leaders, and investors, the United States provides a unique platform to grow, connect, and gain global influence. Its competitive marketplace, access to capital, and culture of innovation create unmatched opportunities for those ready to seize them. While the immigration process requires careful planning, that process is far from impossible. Indeed, having strong legal guidance is one of the most effective advantages an applicant can possess. Immigration law is complex, and each case must be evaluated individually. A clear, strategic plan tailored to your background and goals can significantly improve your chances of success. What may feel like a hurdle at first glance is often navigable with solid preparation and documentation. At our immigration law firm, we have had the privilege of assisting individuals from all over the world as they navigate these complexities. Time and again, we have witnessed how determination, careful preparation, and experienced legal counsel can turn uncertainty into opportunity and help transform a vision for the future into reality. If you have been uncertain about whether to move forward, let this be your sign to take the next step. The United States is still a land of possibilities. If you are ready to take that step, now is the time to act. Let us build your path forward together.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal, Haiti, and Cameroon. These longstanding protections are set to expire, putting many individuals at risk of deportation.
