In the decade following the 2012 elections, and culminating in 2022, immigrants and allies have won significant victories in states across the country. These inclusive state policies are a result of years of organizing and a growing advocacy infrastructure that tackles issues affecting low-income communities of color. State and local officials increasingly recognize that the health and well-being of their residents is interconnected and have taken steps to address longstanding disparities in access to health care and economic support.
In 2022, states made remarkable progress toward the goal of providing health care for all by extending coverage to seniors, children, pregnant people, and other residents regardless of their immigration status. In response to effective organizing, states also improved access to higher education and professional licenses, expanded access to driver’s licenses, protected workers’ rights, strengthened consumer privacy, and invested in access to counsel for immigrants. States extended tax credits to residents who use Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) and offered cash assistance to workers who were excluded from federal pandemic relief and unemployment insurance. Colorado became the first state to enact an ongoing alternative to unemployment insurance for excluded workers. Finally, Arizona voters repealed restrictions on immigrants’ access to higher education imposed by a 2006 initiative and approved in-state tuition rates for students who attend high school in the state, regardless of their immigration status.
This report highlights some of the immigrant rights victories achieved in 2022 and provides an overview of current state policies on access to health care, economic support, and other opportunities for students and workers who are immigrants.
Read MoreMajor Benefit Programs Available to Immigrants in California (Table)
Nov 1, 2024 This table lists the programs for which certain immigrants residing in California are eligible. Originally published in May 2017.
Advocates Launch Awareness Campaign to Get Thousands of DACA Recipients Enrolled in ACA Health Coverage
Oct 30, 2024 The National Immigration Law Center (NILC), United We Dream (UWD), and Young Invincibles launched an online campaign to reach thousands of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients who will soon be eligible to purchase health...
Frequently Asked Questions: Affordable Care Act Eligibility for DACA Recipients
Oct 28, 2024 DACA Recipients will soon be able to access health coverage through the Affordable Care Act. The National Immigration Law Center answers the most frequently asked questions.
Health Insurance Enrollment for DACA Recipients is Here!
Isobel Mohyeddin
Nov 1, 2024 In May 2024, the Biden-Harris administration made the major announcement that DACA recipients...