The Trump administration has once again shown its xenophobia in finalizing a rule that punishes immigrants for using public assistance. The “Public Charge” rule – which is set to take effect in approximately 60 days – will make it easier for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to deny visas and green cards for those who use public benefits or those who it assumes may use public benefits in the future.  Since information on this rule began to spread in the fall of last year, organizations have noticed a chilling effect where some immigrants did not seek assistance for themselves or their children for fear of having their status affected. 

Advocates for Youth joined hundreds of thousands of individuals and organizations in submitting comments. This rule is a cruel measure that forces immigrants to choose between the benefits for which they qualify and their immigration status. 

This administration’s anti-immigrant actions are alarming and have led to a climate of fear and violence. These actions put young people and families at risk, and will cause great hardship for immigrants of color, LGBTQ immigrants, and young immigrants. It is unacceptable that the government would perpetuate this campaign of intimidation that will only serve to negatively affect the health and well-being of our communities.