Hello friends,
Today the Department of Homeland Security published a new regulatory proposal that will make it much more difficult for immigrants with documented status residing in the US to remain in the country if they are likely to use programs like Medicaid Part D, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Section 8 housing vouchers, and other forms of public assistance.
Families could be denied green cards or permanent residency in the United States based on an immigration officer’s guess that they might receive public benefits someday. People will be forced to make impossible choices between accessing vital programs and keeping their family together.
These programs are designed and proven to improve participants’ health, well-being, and economic security. When our most vulnerable populations succeed, the entire community benefits. And, our immigration laws already contain provisions limiting those who are likely to be dependent on federal aid. This proposed change is unnecessary and cruel.
The "public charge" regulation will have significant and harmful effects on our community. The Williams Institute estimates there are 637,000 LGBT-identified individuals among the adult authorized immigrant population, and an estimated 24,700 non-citizens who are part of a same-sex couple with a U.S. citizen.
Over 600 organizations including CenterLink have already opposed this rule because this is not the kind of nation we want to be. This radical change prioritizes wealth over families, and opens the door to racial, and religious, and health-based discrimination.
Tell the Administration you oppose these changes by submitting a comment today!
#ProtectFamilies
Have questions? Here is a FAQ list.