‘Public Charge’ Rule Threatens Food Assistance for Immigrants
No family should have to decide between putting food on the table and their future in our country. The Trump Administration recently announced changes to the “public charge” rule that would do just that, increasing food insecurity in our Commonwealth and our nation.
Read The Greater Boston Food Bank’s statement on this new rule >.
We only have until December 10th to tell the Trump Administration that no one should go hungry because of their immigration status. Join The Greater Boston Food Bank and other hunger relief advocates throughout the country in standing up and speaking out against this harmful proposal.
What Does “Public Charge” Mean?
In deciding which immigrants receive a U.S. visa or green card, the federal government considers whether an individual is likely to become primarily dependent on governmental assistance AKA a “public charge.” Currently, only cash assistance programs are included in public charge considerations.
This proposed rule would greatly expand the list of considerable programs, punishing legal immigrants if they receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and jeopardizing their ability to stay in the United States.
Additionally, this new rule will create fear and confusion that may dissuade immigrant communities – regardless of whether they are impacted by the rule – from seeking necessary food. We are already seeing the impact of this proposed rule as immigrant families we serve are becoming fearful of receiving any food assistance.
NO ONE SHOULD CANCEL THEIR BENEFITS RIGHT NOW. If you or someone you know is currently receiving SNAP benefits, you should continue to receive your benefits.
| How Can You Help? A Call to Action:
We only have until December 10th to tell the Trump Administration that no one should go hungry because of their immigration status. Join The Greater Boston Food Bank and other hunger relief advocates throughout the country in standing up and speaking out against this harmful proposal.
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Misinformation leads to fear. It is important to stay informed and engaged on this issue. Organizations to follow: Protecting Immigrant Families, Mass Law Reform Institute, Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition.
Important research on the impact of this rule change:
- Children’s HealthWatch and the American Public Health Association’s “Study: Following 10-year gains, SNAP participation among immigrant families dropped in 2018.” Note, since most legal permanent resident adults are not SNAP-eligible for the first five years in status (unless severely disabled), this drop disproportionately impacts children.
- The Federal Policy Institute Estimates Human & Economic Impacts of Public Charge Rule: 24 Million Would Experience Chilling Effects
- Boston Planning and Development Agency’s Impact of Proposed Federal Immigration Rule Changes on Boston: Public Charge Test for Inadmissibility.
We will continue to share information with you on this proposed regulation, along with actions you can take to stand in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors.
If this rule is implemented, more people will go hungry in our communities. We should not make it harder for hungry families to feed their children. Please consider submitting a public comment and standing in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors.
Questions? Please contact Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Catherine Drennan, at cdrennan@gbfb.org.
