Federal Court Blocks Biden Health Policy for DACA

A federal judge in North Dakota has blocked a Biden administration rule that aimed to provide health insurance to immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The ruling, led by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, asserts that the rule likely violates federal law prohibiting public benefits for individuals lacking legal immigration status. Judge Daniel Traynor stated that the regulation could improperly encourage illegal residency and impose financial burdens on states. Approximately 50,000 DACA recipients in the involved states would have been eligible for healthcare coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The National Immigration Law Center plans to consider next steps in defense of the rule, while Kobach heralded the decision as a significant victory for the rule of law and public policy. The legal battle remains ongoing as appeals and further proceedings are anticipated.