Biden Administration Extends Obamacare to DACA Recipients

In a move that underscores the complexities of U.S. immigration policy, Border Patrol agents in the El Paso Sector recently apprehended illegal immigrants who breached a border fence, illustrating the enduring struggles to secure the nation's borders. Concurrently, the Biden administration has rolled out a new rule to enable illegal immigrants protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to access health care through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare.

The DACA program, initiated by an executive order from former President Barack Obama in 2012, offers certain illegal immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as minors protection from deportation and work authorization. Previously, DACA recipients, like other illegal immigrants, were ineligible for health care under Obamacare. However, in a pivotal change scheduled to take effect shortly before the 2024 presidential election, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimates that over 100,000 uninsured individuals could gain health insurance coverage.

Starting November 1, DACA recipients can apply for health coverage through HealthCare.gov and state-based insurance marketplaces. This has been facilitated by the HHS altering the definition of "lawfully present" to determine Obamacare subsidy eligibility. President Joe Biden, who has long advocated for Dreamers to receive a path to citizenship, has directed the Department of Homeland Security to reinforce DACA and expressed his commitment to the welfare of Dreamers by supporting their access to health care.

The administration also proposed a broader migration reform plan to Congress, aiming to provide Dreamers with permanent status and a path to citizenship, a plan endorsed by Vice President Kamala Harris. However, the initiative to grant health care and citizenship opportunities to illegal immigrants has faced staunch opposition from Republican lawmakers.

During Obama's tenure, there were apprehensions that Obamacare might extend benefits to illegal immigrants, a scenario that did not materialize until this recent rule change. The Trump administration's attempts to end DACA were halted by the Supreme Court in 2020, and a 2021 lawsuit led to an appeals court ruling that Obama's establishment of DACA overreached executive authority. Despite efforts by Democrats and the Biden administration to pass comprehensive immigration reform, Republican resistance has blocked progress.

Further clouding the immigration debate is the Biden administration's indication of a need for additional funding and policy reforms to manage the crisis at the southern border effectively. This comes as Chad Pergram, senior congressional correspondent, reported on the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on "Your World."

Complicating matters for the DHS, the Biden administration agreed to disband the Homeland Intelligence Experts Group following a lawsuit from America First Legal, a conservative legal nonprofit. The lawsuit contended that the Experts Group violated the Federal Advisory Committee Act due to perceived bias and lack of balance. Although Secretary Mayorkas had announced the group to include private sector figures for national security advice, critics accused it of partisanship and undue influence from the Biden administration.

America First Legal's scrutiny disclosed that 98% of the group's political contributions went to Democrats, prompting Republican calls for the removal of members seen as biased. Led by Stephen Miller, former Trump White House advisor, the lawsuit alleged bias and insufficient public notice under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, resulting in the group's wind-down.

DHS has agreed to end the Experts Group within 30 days and committed to not reconstituting it in any form conflicting with legal provisions. As part of the resolution, DHS will provide redacted meeting documents from the group and has the authority to form a new advisory committee compliant with the law. Stephen Miller and Ric Grenell, who participated in the lawsuit, declared a decisive legal victory against the Biden administration.

The unfolding events demonstrate the Biden administration's multifaceted approach to immigration, balancing reform efforts with border security and legal scrutiny.

Conservative Bias:

Once again, the radical left, in their never-ending quest to undermine the very fabric of our great nation, has struck a blow against law-abiding citizens. The Biden administration, in a blatant display of disregard for the rule of law, has now extended Obamacare to those who have entered our country illegally. These so-called 'Dreamers' under DACA, who should be grateful for not being deported, are now being handed over healthcare benefits that rightfully belong to American citizens. This is nothing short of an invasion of our resources, a slap in the face to every hard-working American who pays their taxes and follows the rules. And let's not forget, this comes amidst the chaos at our southern border, where the administration has shown complete incompetence in securing our nation's safety and sovereignty. It's clear that the Democrats are more interested in pandering to their base and securing votes for the upcoming election than in protecting American interests and upholding the law.

Liberal Bias:

In a commendable step toward justice and equality, the Biden administration has courageously extended healthcare rights to DACA recipients, despite the relentless obstructionism of the conservative faction. These young individuals, brought to the U.S. through no fault of their own, have been unjustly denied the basic human right to healthcare for far too long. Finally, they are being recognized as the valuable members of our society that they are. Meanwhile, the GOP continues to fan the flames of xenophobia and division, opposing any form of progress that would uplift these marginalized individuals. Their constant fear-mongering about border security is nothing but a smokescreen to divert attention from their cruel and inhumane policies. It's high time conservatives stop their heartless crusade against immigrants, who are integral to the fabric of our nation, and start acknowledging the contributions and rights of all people in this country.