LCLAA Commends Administration’s Plan to Expand Health Care Access

Washington, DC - The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement commends the Biden Administration for expanding access to life-saving health care for DACA recipients. The Department of Health and Human Services will soon introduce a rule to amend the eligibility of two of our nation’s most impactful programs, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act, and with this, over 580,000 DACA recipients will become eligible for affordable healthcare. 

This announcement comes as DACA’s future is still in jeopardy. The program continues to face growing challenges through the courts and the proposed legislation that would grant DACA recipients permanent citizenship has stalled in Congress. 

Yanira Merino, National President of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement on the Administration’s plan, “The measures taken last week align our country’s program more with our nation’s values. Year after year, DACA recipients have been caught in a political battle, but it’s important to remember that these individuals are human beings. They are hardworking, contribute to our economy, pay taxes, and play a vital role in their communities. Their efforts have been instrumental in driving our nation towards success. It is gratifying to see the Administration acknowledge that health care should be a human right, and to take steps to advance us in that direction.” 

Read the National Immigration’s Law Center’s Fact Sheet to learn more about DACA Recipients' Access to Health Care.