Key Takeaways
• Only lawfully present non-citizens can access Indiana state-funded health services after 2025.
• From May 7, 2025, Real ID-compliant licenses are needed for flights and some federal buildings.
• DACA recipients in Indiana cannot get Marketplace health insurance coverage in 2025 due to court order.
Indiana’s rules for non-citizens are changing quickly, especially when it comes to healthcare, driver’s licenses, and other state benefits. If you’re a non-citizen living in Indiana, it’s important to know what you can and cannot access, and how recent laws might affect your daily life. This guide explains the main benefits and restrictions for non-citizens in Indiana as of July 2025, using simple language and real-life examples to help you understand what these changes mean for you and your family.
Who Counts as a Non-Citizen in Indiana?
A non-citizen is anyone who is not a U.S. citizen. This includes people with green cards (permanent residents), refugees, asylum seekers, people on humanitarian parole, DACA recipients, international students, and undocumented immigrants. Each group has different rights and restrictions in Indiana, especially when it comes to healthcare and other public services.
Healthcare Access for Non-Citizens in Indiana
What Changed in 2025?
In early 2025, Indiana lawmakers passed new rules about who can get state-funded public health services. At first, there was worry that only U.S. citizens would be able to use these services. But the final law says that only people who are “Lawfully present” in the United States 🇺🇸 can get state-funded health services. This means:
- Lawfully present non-citizens (like green card holders, refugees, asylum seekers, and some people on humanitarian parole) can use these services.
- Undocumented immigrants cannot use state-funded health programs, including the Health First initiative, which pays for things like vaccines, check-ups for kids, and help for pregnant women.
All counties in Indiana joined the Health First program by 2024, so these rules apply everywhere in the state.
What Does “Lawfully Present” Mean?
“Lawfully present” means you have legal permission to be in the United States 🇺🇸. This includes:
- Green card holders (permanent residents)
- Refugees and people granted asylum
- Certain people on humanitarian parole (but not all)
- People with Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- Some other special categories
If you are undocumented, you are not considered “lawfully present” and cannot use these state-funded health services.
What Healthcare Can Undocumented Immigrants Still Get?
- Emergency Medicaid: If you have a medical emergency, you may still get help through federal emergency Medicaid, even if you are undocumented.
- Community Health Centers: Some clinics and health centers offer care to everyone, no matter their immigration status, but these are not funded by the state’s Health First program.
- Federal Programs: Some federal programs may still be open to certain non-citizens.
Real-Life Example
Maria is an undocumented immigrant living in Indiana with her two children. Her kids were able to get vaccines at the local health department in 2023. In 2025, she is told that, because she is undocumented, her children can no longer get vaccines through the Health First program. She must now look for a community health center or pay out of pocket.
Why Does This Matter?
Public health experts worry that leaving out undocumented immigrants could make it harder to control diseases like measles or COVID-19. Some lawmakers say the state should only spend money on people who are here legally. The debate continues, but for now, the law is clear: only lawfully present non-citizens can use state-funded health services in Indiana.
Driver’s Licenses and State IDs for Non-Citizens
Who Can Get a Driver’s License in Indiana?
Indiana law says you must be “lawfully present” in the United States 🇺🇸 to get a driver’s license or state ID. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license to board commercial flights or enter certain federal buildings.
Special Rule for Humanitarian Parolees
In 2023, Indiana passed a law (House Enrolled Act 1050, or H.E.A. 1050) that lets some people on humanitarian parole get a driver’s license. But this only applies to certain groups, like Ukrainian parolees. People from other countries (like Haiti, Venezuela, Nicaragua, or Cuba) who are on parole are not covered by this law and cannot get a license.
How to Apply for a Driver’s License as a Non-Citizen
If you are lawfully present, you can apply for a driver’s license by:
- Showing your foreign driver’s license (with an English translation or International Driving Permit if needed)
- Providing proof of your legal status in the United States 🇺🇸
- Giving your Social Security number (if you have one)
- Proving you live in Indiana
- Passing vision, written, and driving tests (sometimes the driving test can be skipped if Indiana has an agreement with your home country)
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will check your documents. If everything is in order, you’ll get a temporary license for 30 days while they verify your information. If there’s a problem, you’ll get a letter explaining why you were denied, and you can ask for a hearing.
Who Cannot Get a License?
- Undocumented immigrants cannot get a driver’s license or state ID in Indiana.
- Parolees from countries not covered by H.E.A. 1050 (like Haiti or Venezuela) are also excluded.
What Happens After May 7, 2025?
After this date, you must have a Real ID-compliant license to fly within the United States 🇺🇸 or enter certain federal buildings. If you don’t have the right documents, you won’t be able to get this license, which could limit your travel and access to services.
Real-Life Example
Oksana, a Ukrainian parolee, moves to Indiana in 2024. She applies for a driver’s license and is approved under H.E.A. 1050. Her friend, Luis, a Venezuelan parolee, is denied because his status is not covered by the law. Luis cannot drive legally in Indiana, making it hard for him to get to work or take his kids to school.
Health Insurance Coverage for Non-Citizens
Medicaid and Marketplace Insurance
Indiana is one of several states where DACA recipients and some other non-citizens cannot get health insurance through the federal Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) in 2025. This is because of a federal court order from late 2024.
Who Is Affected?
- DACA recipients (people who came to the United States 🇺🇸 as children and have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status) cannot get Marketplace insurance in Indiana for 2025.
- Other non-citizens without a qualifying immigration status are also excluded.
- If you are a lawfully present immigrant (like a green card holder, refugee, or certain parolee), you may still be able to get Marketplace insurance.
What If I Already Paid for Coverage?
If you signed up for Marketplace insurance for 2025 but are not eligible, your coverage will be canceled, and your money will be refunded.
Where Can I Learn More?
You can find the latest information and check your eligibility on the official Healthcare.gov website.
Real-Life Example
Carlos is a DACA recipient living in Indiana. He signed up for Marketplace insurance for 2025, but in January, he gets a letter saying his coverage is canceled and his payment will be refunded. He now has to look for other options, like employer insurance or community health clinics.
State Financial Aid and Other Benefits
Who Can Get State Financial Aid for College?
To get state financial aid for college in Indiana, you must be a U.S. citizen or an “eligible non-citizen.” This includes:
- Green card holders (permanent residents)
- Refugees and people granted asylum
- Some people on humanitarian parole
If you are on a student visa (like F1 or J1) or have a pending immigration status, you cannot get state financial aid.
Other State Benefits
Most other state benefits in Indiana, like cash assistance or food stamps, also require you to be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen. Undocumented immigrants are usually not eligible.
Summary Table: Benefits and Restrictions for Non-Citizens in Indiana (2025)
| Benefit/Service | Who Is Eligible? | Who Is Not Eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| State-funded Health Services | Lawfully present immigrants | Undocumented immigrants | Health First program excludes undocumented immigrants |
| Driver’s Licenses & IDs | Lawfully present immigrants, Ukrainian parolees | Undocumented immigrants, most other parolees | Real ID required from May 7, 2025 |
| Marketplace Health Insurance | Lawfully present immigrants (not DACA recipients) | DACA recipients, some other non-citizens | 2025 coverage canceled for DACA recipients |
| State Financial Aid | U.S. citizens, eligible non-citizens | Student visa holders, some pending statuses | Must meet federal and state rules |
Historical Background and Policy Changes
Indiana has always had strict rules for undocumented immigrants when it comes to public benefits. The 2023 law (H.E.A. 1050) made it a bit easier for some humanitarian parolees (mainly Ukrainians) to get driver’s licenses, but most other groups are still left out. In 2024 and 2025, lawmakers made it clear that only lawfully present people can use state-funded health services, showing a focus on following federal immigration laws and controlling state spending.
What Do Experts and Stakeholders Say?
- Public Health Officials: Many doctors and health experts say that leaving out undocumented immigrants from health services could make it harder to stop the spread of diseases. They believe everyone should have access to basic healthcare.
- Lawmakers: Some lawmakers argue that Indiana should only spend money on people who are here legally, to follow federal rules and protect the state budget.
- Legal Advocates: Some lawyers are challenging the rules that exclude certain groups from getting driver’s licenses, saying it’s unfair and may go against the U.S. Constitution’s promise of equal protection.
What’s Next? Future Changes and Legal Challenges
- Real ID Deadline: Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a Real ID-compliant license for many things. Non-citizens without the right documents will face more limits on travel and access.
- Possible Lawsuits: Legal challenges to the driver’s license rules could lead to changes in who can get a license in the future.
- Healthcare Debates: As public health concerns grow, lawmakers may revisit the rules about who can get state-funded health services.
Where to Get Official Help and Information
If you have questions or need to apply for a benefit, use these official resources:
- Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV): For driver’s license and ID information
in.gov/bmv - Indiana State Department of Health: For public health program details
in.gov/isdh - Indiana Commission for Higher Education: For state financial aid eligibility
in.gov/che - Healthcare.gov: For Marketplace coverage and eligibility updates
Healthcare.gov
Practical Tips for Non-Citizens in Indiana
- Check Your Status: Make sure you know your immigration status and what benefits you can get.
- Gather Documents: Keep your immigration papers, proof of Indiana residency, and Social Security number (if you have one) ready for any applications.
- Ask for Help: If you’re not sure about your rights, talk to a trusted immigration lawyer or a local community group.
- Stay Informed: Laws can change quickly. Check official websites or community organizations for updates.
Final Thoughts
Indiana’s rules for non-citizens are strict, especially for undocumented immigrants. If you are lawfully present, you can get some state benefits, like health services and a driver’s license, but you still face limits, especially with health insurance and financial aid. If you are undocumented, your options are very limited, and you may need to rely on community resources or federal emergency programs.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect a national trend of states tightening rules for non-citizens, often leaving the most vulnerable with fewer options. Staying informed and connected to official resources is the best way to protect yourself and your family.
For more details on Indiana’s rules for non-citizens, visit the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles for driver’s license information or check with the Indiana State Department of Health for updates on healthcare programs.
By understanding the current laws and knowing where to get help, non-citizens in Indiana can make better choices and plan for the future, even as the rules continue to change.
Learn Today
Lawfully Present → Having legal permission to reside or stay in the United States under immigration laws.
Undocumented Immigrants → Individuals residing in the US without official legal permission or status.
Humanitarian Parole → Temporary permission to enter the US for urgent humanitarian reasons or public benefit.
Real ID → A federal security standard for state-issued IDs required for certain national purposes after May 2025.
Marketplace Insurance → Health insurance purchased through the federal Healthcare.gov website under the Affordable Care Act.
This Article in a Nutshell
Indiana revised rules for non-citizens in 2025, limiting state health services to lawfully present individuals only. Driver’s licenses require Real ID compliance after May. DACA recipients lose Marketplace insurance. Understanding these changes helps non-citizens navigate healthcare, licenses, and benefits amid ongoing legal debates and shifting policies.
— By VisaVerge.com
