Staff Reports
Congressional Republicans are opposing a new rule from the Biden administration that expands healthcare coverage under Obamacare to undocumented immigrants. The rule allows individuals who arrived in the U.S. as children and are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to qualify for health insurance through HealthCare.gov and state-based marketplaces.
One prominent opponent of the rule is Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina. She has put forward a resolution of disapproval in response to the administration’s decision. Mace criticized the administration for prioritizing benefits for illegal immigrants over American citizens, stating that the rule is another example of the administration promoting illegal immigration and putting America last.
Nancy Mace prods Congress to condemn Biden's plan to extend ObamaCare eligibility to noncitizens https://t.co/tvl5MQdZui
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 9, 2024
The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that over 100,000 currently uninsured undocumented immigrants could potentially gain access to health insurance through this rule. President Biden has defended the rule, arguing that individuals protected under DACA should have the same access to healthcare through the Affordable Care Act as their neighbors.
The Biden administration has emphasized its commitment to providing support for DACA recipients and has called on Congress to take action to grant them permanent status and a pathway to citizenship. Congressional Republicans are calling for Congress to intervene and halt the implementation of the rule, asserting that only Congress has the authority to provide permanent status and a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients.
