The Public Charge Rule: A New Wealth Test for Immigrants WE MUST STAND UP FOR AN INCLUSIVE AND WELCOMING AMERICA.
For over 100 years the “public charge test” has been part of US immigration law, used to define those who depend on the government as their main source of support. Until now, “public charge” has been narrowly applied to people receiving government cash assistance or institutional long-term care.
The Trump Administration has published a Public Charge proposal in the Federal Register. It vastly expands the definition to include many health and welfare programs for children and families. The proposed rule could make working class and lowincome immigrants who participate in medical and social service programs–food stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, public housing, and more–ineligible to receive a green card.
The rule has not yet gone into effect, but news of it has frightened many needy immigrants away from crucial support to which they are legally entitled. With about one in four children having at least one immigrant parent, this issue touches millions and is critical now and for our nation’s future.
Key Points
- Housing assistance, food stamps and Medicaid are a gateway to economic self-sufficiency.
- Short-term costs of social assistance programs are greatly exceeded by long-term economic benefits.
- Studies show that affordable medication and health insurance improve health outcomes and reduce missed days of work or reliance on short-term disability. See Kaiser Foundation re public health implications: https://www.kff.org/disparities-policy/
- Restricting lower-income immigration will hurt the United State economically. See: How public charge rule will affect employers and immigrants http://bit.ly/ForbesPublicCharge
- Denying green cards to people with health problems will break up families.
PLEASE TAKE 15 MINUTES AND SEND COMMENTS BEFORE DEC. 10 TO: https://protectingimmigrantfamilies.org/
How To:
- Review key points above.
- Go on the comment link and use your own words to submit a comment.
- Use facts. Cite studies, point out costs, make policy arguments, and include personal stories about yourself or others to illustrate your points.
- Only one comment per person.
- Share widely on social media and by email with family, friends and colleagues.
To see Administration’s proposed Public Charge rules: Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds: http://bit.ly/PublicChargeRules
Download the flyer HERE.