Statement from CCC on Proposed Federal Rule Impacting Immigrant Children and Families

Released September 24, 2018

On September 22nd, the Trump Administration released a proposal targeting families on the path to U.S. citizenship. Though the proposal is not yet posted on the Federal Register, we know that the policy as written will be deeply damaging to immigrant children and families.

Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCC) strongly opposes this rule, which threatens the health, nutrition, housing, and economic security of thousands of children and families in New York.

The proposed rule change would for the first time in history allow the federal government to hold the use of a wide array of health and social supports against immigrants seeking to enter the U.S. or apply for green card status. This includes use of essential benefits like Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and housing assistance.

This rule change would force thousands of New York parents to choose between declining essential food, medical, and social supports for their families, or jeopardizing their path to legal 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.

“We are deeply concerned about this proposal,” said Jennifer March, Executive Director of CCC. “The public charge rule change could have devastating, long-term repercussions for the health and well-being of some of our city’s most vulnerable children and families.”

When the final rule is published, there will be a 60-day period to submit public comments. Stay tuned as we continue to update you on any new developments.