Action Alert: Protect Immigrant Families From Hunger

No family should have to choose between food and their future in this country. But that is exactly what will happen if a new federal rule goes into effect.

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) proposed “public charge” rule would fuel rates of hunger and food insecurity among immigrant families, including families with U.S. citizen children.

This proposed rule could change how the DHS treats certain low-income immigrants and could push immigrant families off public benefits they legally qualify for.

Worse yet, the new rule will create fear and confusion that may dissuade immigrant communities – regardless of whether they are impacted by the rule – from seeking needed food in the first place. We are already hearing stories here in Worcester County of mothers who are cancelling their SNAP or WIC benefits they legally qualify for or are unenrolling their children from school lunch programs, all out of fear of impacting their immigration status.

“Public charge” assessment is a way our federal government decides who will be denied a US visa or green card, by identifying individuals they think are likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance. This proposed rule would greatly expand the definition of “public charge” to include benefits such as SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy, and housing assistance.

This rule change would discourage immigrant parents working hard for better lives for their families from using services that millions of people in the United States use to support their basic needs and move out of hardship. It stands against the work of ending hunger and poverty, building healthy communities, and upholding human rights.