The federal Administration announced last week that it would end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in six months. The program currently allows over 800,000 young ‘Dreamers’ to study, work and contribute to their local communities. Elimination of DACA will put thousands of young people who have resided in the United States since they were children at risk of undergoing deportation proceedings. They face serious health, mental health, and economic consequences. Ending the program could also exacerbate the doctor shortage, as 65 dreamers are currently in medical school, such as Jirayut New Latthivongskorn, a Thai immigrant getting dual degrees in medicine and public health. Many more have likely graduated medical school and entered residency programs.

DACA recipients in Washington State remain eligible for certain types of Apple Health coverage regardless of the federal change. For legal advice and assistance, call CLEAR at 1-888-201-1014, or call 211 if you live in King County. NoHLA plans to release informational materials soon.