The Latino caucus of Nebraska Democrats has strongly condemned Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers‘ involvement in a lawsuit aimed at preventing DACA recipients from accessing health care through the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplace. The caucus issued a statement in response to the multi-state lawsuit led by Kris Kobach, Hilgers‘ counterpart in Kansas, and signed onto by attorneys general from 15 conservative-led states, including Nebraska.
The lawsuit challenges a federal rule issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that allows DACA recipients to access taxpayer-subsidized health plans under the ACA. DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a federal program that provides temporary relief from deportation and work permission to eligible undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children.
The Latinx Caucus of the Nebraska Democratic Party emphasized the contributions of DACA recipients, also known as Dreamers, to local economies. They pay state and federal taxes and represent various industries and walks of life. For many Dreamers, Nebraska is the only home they have ever known, with approximately 2,450 active DACA recipients residing in the state, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.
Kris Kobach, a Republican, has a history of focusing on legal issues related to undocumented immigrants, including cases in Nebraska. He believes that DACA recipients should not receive taxpayer benefits and that the Biden administration should not be allowed to violate federal law. Mike Hilgers echoed similar sentiments, stating that Nebraska taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize health plans for those who are in the country illegally.
In response, the Latinx caucus criticized Hilgers and others for attacking the Latino community and their well-being. They emphasized that health is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all individuals who contribute to the state, including Dreamers. The caucus believes that Dreamers are an integral part of the solution and should not be denied access to essential health care services.
Overall, the lawsuit led by Kobach and supported by Hilgers has sparked outrage among Nebraska Democrats, particularly the Latino caucus, who view it as an unjust attack on the rights and well-being of DACA recipients. The debate surrounding this issue highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant communities in accessing essential services and the importance of advocating for their rights and contributions to society.