The Biden administration recently finalized a rule that has a significant impact on health coverage for immigrants in the United States. The rule expands health coverage for immigrants who arrived in the country as children and are protected from deportation under the program known as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). Under this new rule, DACA recipients will now have access to health care coverage through Affordable Care Act marketplaces for the first time.

President Biden described this move as a “historic step”, acknowledging, however, that only Congress has the power to offer "Dreamers" (as DACA recipients are called) and their families a permanent status and a path to citizenship, according to a report in TheGuardian.

This decision by the White House comes amid a fierce political debate over immigration, especially during an election year where Republicans, led by Donald Trump, seek to blame Biden and his policies for the situation at the border.

Previously, DACA recipients were not eligible for government-subsidized health insurance programs due to their immigration status. However, the new rule modifies this definition to ensure that they are not excluded from individual health insurance markets.

The administration estimates that this rule change could provide coverage for up to 100,000 DACA recipients who were previously uninsured. The measure does not make them eligible for Medicaid, a health insurance program for low-income Americans, which has sparked controversy amongRepublicans.

Proponents of the measure argue that it will improve the health and well-being of DACA recipients, as well as strengthen the nation's economy and health care system. However, even with insurance, many DACA recipients may still face elevated medical costs due to high cost-sharing rates in insurance markets.

Also according to The Guardian, although this measure represents an important advance, there are still challenges faced by Dreamers, such as the lack of a clear path to citizenship. Recent bipartisan legislation has failed to address this issue, frustrating immigrant rights advocates.

Ultimately, expanding health coverage for DACA recipients is a positive step, but there is an ongoing need for legislative action to address broader issues related to immigration and immigrant rights in the United States.