This week, the Trump Administration released a regulatory proposal that would drive up poverty, hunger, and unmet health care needs, and worsen a range of other problems facing communities across the United States. This proposal marks a fundamental change from our nation's historic commitment to ensuring immigrants can meet the most basic necessities of life. The Trump Administration's proposed "public charge" rule would allow immigration officials to deny a green card to an immigrant if the individual is receiving public benefits that are intended to help individuals and families meet basic living requirements. The proposed rule could force immigrant families to forgo access to a wide array of public benefits, including health care, food supports, and housing assistance.

Because of this rule change, immigrants are fearful of enrolling their children in the health and nutritional services to which they are legally entitled.  First 5 Alameda County staff report that parents are deciding to forgo health services and give up assistance that allows them to put food on their family's table, out of fear.  Because we understand that policy changes such as this one hurt young children, we joined over 1,000 other organizations from across the country in a letter opposing this proposed rule change.

The "public charge" rules will be published in the Federal Register and they are subject to a 60-day public comment period. The Trump Administration is required to review and assess the public comments before finalizing the rule.  First 5 Alameda County will provide information about how to make public comment when the rule change is published.

For general information about the possible public charge rule changes, sign up for updates and resources available through the Protecting Immigrant Families campaign and the CA Immigrant Policy Center. Please also view CLASP's two pager.