Deadline Nears Without Deal on DACA

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program ends on March 5. “Dreamers” are left out of the Continuing Resolution to fund the government for another six weeks. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Chris Coons (D-DE) crafted new bipartisan legislation that would grant eventual citizenship to young undocumented immigrants, but the White House has pushed back because it fails to address their priority to restrict immigration in other ways. A deal is not likely this week, but additional debate is expected to begin next week. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that even if DACA does expire, 42,000 low-income “Dreamers” in New York will retain eligibility for health coverage that the state currently provides. This ensures that if “dreamers” lose their jobs and associated health coverage, they will qualify for public coverage. We hope Washington will follow New York’s example.