New York, NY—The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an updated public charge rule today, which will take effect on December 23, 2022, ensuring that immigrants can access health-related benefits and other governmental services without risk to their immigration status. The Biden administration stopped defending the Trump administration’s previous public charge rule in February 2021. The New York Immigration Coalition applauds this new rule, which will defend the health and dignity of immigrants, while encouraging further action from the Biden administration to protect migrants and asylum seekers.
Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition:
“Today’s announcement of a new public charge rule from the Biden administration is a welcome step forward in ensuring that the United States restores its democratic values and commitment to defending the dignity and safety of its people. Everyone in this country has the right to receive essential government services, including healthcare, food, and housing assistance, without risking their immigration status and place in this country. Under the Trump administration, the public charge rule was weaponized as a racist and cruel deterrent against accessing any government services for fear of jeopardizing one’s ability to become a permanent resident. This new rule begins the process of undoing this abusive standard, opening access to essential life-saving governmental services, and providing meaningful relief to immigrants across our country. We thank the Biden administration for moving forward this vital rule change and encourage further decisive action from President Biden and DHS to welcome migrants and asylum seekers currently threatened by remaining racist immigration policies such as Title 42.”
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