From Families USA (http://www.familiesusa.org):
This weekend, the Trump administration announced a proposed “public charge” rule that would drastically change requirements for certain immigrants to enter the United States or become permanent residents, leaving many to choose between health care or staying with their families. The proposed rule targets families who have legally immigrated by threatening their access to health care, as well as to other basic needs such as food and shelter.
Immigrants who enter the country or apply for permanent residency must show that they are not likely to become a “public charge”— that is, dependent on the government for financial support. The administration’s new policy drastically expands the list of benefits that are considered in public charge determinations to include whether immigrants have enrolled in Medicaid, received subsidies to help afford Medicare Part D, or have received assistance with housing or food (through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP).
To understand this proposed policy and why it will cause our country harm, read our new factsheet: Trump Administration’s “Public Charge” Rule is an Assault on the American Dream and Our Nation’s Values
This factsheet outlines how the Trump administration’s public charge proposal will cause numerous harms that are counter to American values including:
- Forcing families to choose between basic needs and staying together;
- Making it harder for employers to find the workers they need to support our growing economy
- Jeopardizing access to care for low- and moderate-income seniors who have paid into social security for years; and
- Risking the stability of our entire population and health care system when people delay necessary health care out of fear.
Help us spread the word about the harms of this policy by retweeting this factsheet and posting it on Facebook.
Immigrant families should know that the changes proposed in this rule will apply only to benefits received after the rule is final. More information for immigrant families is here.
Once this rule is posted in the Federal Register we will reach out with further information on how to push back with comments. The rule as signed by the Secretary of Homeland Security can be viewed here.
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