Changes proposed under the Department of Homeland Security rule allow immigration officials to deny lawful permanent resident status (green cards) to applicants based on an expanded definition of whether they are deemed likely to become a “public charge.” Under current federal rules, a “public charge” determination is limited strictly to an applicant’s personal use of cash assistance (TANF or SSI) or the need for permanent government-funded institutional care.  The proposed rule targets low-income individuals by expanding the definition of “public charge” to include the use of any of these programs:

• SNAP
• Non-emergency Medicaid
• Section 8 housing vouchers, housing subsidies, and public housing
• Medicare Part D Low-income Subsidies (for prescription drugs for the elderly)’

The administration is required by law to review public comments on the proposed regulation.  Join the campaign to send 100,000 public comments to oppose the rule.