California Attorney General Rob Bonta has taken legal action to protect healthcare access for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, commonly known as Dreamers. In collaboration with a multistate coalition, Bonta filed a motion to intervene in support of a rule that allows DACA recipients to participate in the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) insurance marketplace.
The rule is significant for California, where approximately 40,000 uninsured Dreamers are now eligible for subsidized health coverage through Covered California, the state's healthcare exchange. Nearly 2,000 previously uninsured DACA recipients have already enrolled under this provision.
Bonta expressed his commitment to defending the rule amidst expectations that the incoming Trump Administration will withdraw federal support. "At California DOJ, we are committed to ensuring that every Californian has access to high-quality and affordable healthcare, regardless of their immigration status," he stated. He further emphasized the large population of DACA recipients in California and assured them of his office's support against potential policy changes from the Trump Administration.
Dreamers, who arrived in the United States as children and have established lives here, contribute significantly to federal and state taxes. The Center for American Progress reports that around 150,000 Dreamers reside in California, contributing over $2 billion annually in taxes.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' final rule clarifies that individuals considered "lawfully present" under ACA guidelines include Dreamers and other immigrants with work authorizations. Previously, DACA beneficiaries were excluded from enrolling in ACA exchanges.
President-elect Trump criticized this rule during his campaign and has historically opposed both DACA and ACA policies. However, previous attempts by his administration to rescind these programs were blocked by court actions involving the California Department of Justice.
This intervention is part of Attorney General Bonta's broader efforts to defend Dreamers' rights. He has previously supported related measures through comments and amicus briefs alongside other states opposing challenges led by Texas against DACA.
Joining Bonta in this legal move are attorneys general from New Jersey, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Vermont.
A copy of the motion is available online.