Washington State Chapter of NAPNAP
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Call to action from NAPNAP by December 10th

Posted over 5 years ago by Karen Kilian

Situation:
Department of Homeland Security's proposed regulation changes:
  1. Changes the way that federal officials would evaluate whether an immigrant qualifies to enter the country or become a lawful permanent resident.
  2. Expand the list of benefits that immigration officials may consider in deciding whether an applicant is likely to become a "public charge," someone who depends on public assistance.
  3. Benefits that could be considered in a "public charge" determination would be expanded to include programs such as:
  • Non-emergency Medicaid, with some exceptions.
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
  • Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy.
  • Housing assistance such as public housing or Section 8 housing vouchers.
Immigrant families would be forced to choose between meeting their basic health care, food and housing needs and the dream of a secure future in the United States.
Even though these policies are only proposed, many immigrants are already choosing not to seek health care or nutrition aid for themselves and their children for fear of jeopardizing their immigration status.
Action:
Comment on the proposed "public charge" rule by Monday, December 10
  • Federal law offers every citizen the chance to submit a "public comment" on this proposed policy before it can be finally adopted.
  • NAPNAP strongly urges all of its members to submit an individual comment on the proposed "public charge" rule.
  • This comment period is the only opportunity for the public to weigh in on this proposed rule.
  • It's quick and easy to submit a comment by using draft text from NAPNAP.
  • Click here to begin: NAPNAP response link
*For more public charge information visit the Washington Chapter of the AAP at https://wcaap.org/2373-2/