October 11, 2018

Action Needed: Speak Out Against Federal Threats to Immigrant Children and Families

The Federal administration recently put out two proposals that would be deeply harmful to immigrant families. We strongly encourage all New Yorkers to join CCC in speaking out against these unprecedented actions that would cause lifelong harm to thousands of children and their families.

The proposed “public charge” rule change would create unprecedented new obstacles for immigrants seeking to legally enter the country or gain their legal permanent resident status. The rule favors immigrants with higher incomes, and proposes new barriers for low-income immigrants and those who use a wide array of essential health and social services, including Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and housing assistance. It also makes it harder for those with chronic illnesses or disabilities to gain documented immigration status.

Of New York City’s 1.8 million children, over half have at least one immigrant parent. Many of these families will be directly impacted by this rule change, while others may face confusion and fear that leads them to avoid critical social service programs. Social service providers throughout New York have already reported widespread drops in enrollment from families who believe they must decline essential food, medical, and social supports for their families, or risk jeopardizing their loved ones’ paths to legal immigration status.

We urge you to learn more and submit comments showing your opposition to this rule change, and stay tuned as we continue to update you on any new developments.

Additionally, the administration has proposed a regulation that would terminate the Flores Settlement Agreement, which currently sets the national standards for the detention, release, and treatment of both accompanied and unaccompanied children. The proposed regulation would allow children to be detained indefinitely and reverse existing protections for children in DHS custody. The comment period ends on November 6, 2018.

To stand up against this proposal, email ICE.Regulations@ice.dhs.gov and tell them you oppose overturning the Flores Agreement. Include the Federal Register Docket Number in the subject line as follows: DHS Docket No. ICEB-2018-0002.

We continue to be deeply concerned about the short-term and long-term impact these actions will have on the lives of children and their families, and we urge the federal administration to treat migrant families with the humanity and compassion they deserve.

Tags
immigration, public charge, Family & Community

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