Immigration news update for the AMER and EMEA regions
Americas
United States: Application for healthcare for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients from November 1
Starting November 1, 2024, DACA recipients can apply for health coverage through certain federal programs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced this rule on May 3, aiming to expand healthcare access via the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace or a Basic Health Program. This rule is expected to benefit around 100,000 uninsured DACA recipients.
Post November 1, 2024, DACA recipients will qualify for a special enrollment period to select a health plan. As of December 31, 2023, there were over 530,000 active DACA recipients in the U.S.
This move aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensure affordable, quality healthcare for all.
The summary was prepared using information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration) and Margarida Luis (Immigration coordinator, AMER)
Europe, Middle East and Africa
United Kingdom: MAC recommends retaining Graduate route for international students
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has expressed its support for the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) recommendation to maintain the Graduate route in its current form. This route allows international graduates to gain work experience in the UK after completing their studies. The MAC’s findings emphasize the positive impact of the Graduate route on students, employers, and the UK economy.
Here’s a summary of the key points:
Graduate Route Retained: The MAC found no evidence of widespread abuse of the Graduate route. As a result, they recommend maintaining the two-year visa unaltered. This route allows international graduates to gain work experience in the UK after completing their studies.
Positive Impact: The Graduate route benefits universities by expanding the range of courses offered and compensating for financial losses on domestic students and research.
Data Collection and Evaluation: The MAC recommends implementing central data collection mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of immigration routes for international students and their dependents.
Economic Contribution: International students contribute significantly to the UK economy. In 2021/22, they contributed £41.9 billion, with an estimated net benefit of £70 million in the Graduate route’s first year.
Employer Value: The unsponsored Graduate route is valuable for employers in regions and sectors with lower starting salaries, providing access to innovative and talented graduates.
Attractiveness and Stability: Retaining the Graduate route in its current form is crucial for attracting international students and maintaining financial stability in the sector.
UKCISA’s Commitment: The UKCISA will continue advocating for the importance of the Graduate route in enhancing the international student experience.
Overall, the MAC’s findings support the continuation of the Graduate route, emphasizing its positive impact on both students and the UK economy.
The summary was prepared using information from the Migration Advisory Committee
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration) and Joanna Sogeke (Team Leader, EMEA).
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