Public charge rules revolve around a century-old immigration policy that requires many immigrants seeking lawful immigration status to prove that they will not become a “public charge,” meaning primarily dependent upon the government for support. It’s been established U.S. policy for nearly 20 years that eligible immigrants may make use of life-sustaining health and nutritional programs that are key to healthy outcomes for children and families – most notably, Medicaid (emergency Medicaid is excluded), Housing assistance like Section 8 Housing Vouchers, SNAP (FAP/Food Stamps), among others.

The administration’s new scheme would change all of this. It states that if immigrants use these health and nutrition programs, the government will use it against them in determining whether they can obtain lawful immigration status. While the proposed rule to expand public charge clearly targets immigrants and people of color, it will affect the health and well-being of our entire community.

The expansion of the public charge determination has already started going into effect at some U.S. consulates abroad. If the community raises its voice, however, there may still be a chance to stop the rule that would cement these policies into our immigration system, affecting millions of families.  

The proposed rule cannot be implemented within the U.S. without going through a public rulemaking process. Federal officials will have to consider public comments before acting and it will, therefore, be critical for people from many sectors, including immigrant communities, healthcare providers, educators, retailers, and more to speak out about the negative effects this rule would have.

PLEDGE TODAY to submit a public comment:

"I pledge to offer public comments from Michigan to the federal government, about how proposed changes to the public charge rules will affect my community."

When you take the pledge, we will:

1.     Contact you when the rule is published,

2.     Provide you with instructions and a link about how to make a public comment, and

3.     Provide you with a model comment that you can send in as written, or that you can edit to make specific to your situation.

4.     We will never give your personal information away.

For more information on the proposed rule, read our fact sheet.