Public Charge Rule Change Is a Threat to Our Collective Wellness

Sandra J. Martínez

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

(Nov. 12, 2018)—I am the daughter of immigrant parents. I received “birthright” citizenship. I grew up in a mixed-status family.

In the ‘70s and ‘80s my mom acted as a “sponsor” for nearly all of her siblings and extended family. Some were seeking a better life; others left because the struggles for liberation and subsequent wars were devastating, and they grew fearful for their lives. When close friends and family members fled and needed a landing spot, our home became a haven, a place to re-group and plan for a brighter future.

This is the story of immigration in this country. It’s also my story.

People migrate for a myriad of reasons, take huge risks to do so and rely on the kindness and compassion of family, friends and strangers. When people are welcomed and integrated into their new communities, we benefit from their skills and talents. Fair immigration policies protect our collective prosperity and support wellness. These policies are vitally important, especially true for California, home to more immigrants than any other state.

Right now we all have an opportunity to oppose proposed changes to an immigration policy that threatens the wellness of our communities, something known as the “public charge” rule. We hope you and your organizations will take action.

What is “public charge”?

Currently, immigrants can use programs such as SNAP, also known as food stamps, and other health, nutrition and housing programs. These programs accelerate immigrants’ ability to integrate into community, and contribute their skills and talents. However, the federal government wants to make it harder for people to achieve permanent legal status if they use health, nutrition and housing programs. This rule would expand what is called the “public charge.”

The public charge rule determines the future likelihood of a person becoming primarily dependent on the government. Immigration officials use it deciding if a person will receive a green card or legal residency. Under current law, there are only three benefits that count against people when they apply for residency: cash assistance programs such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, SSI and long-term institutional care.

Why the change?

The proposal is intended to target immigrants who access public programs that support basic needs such as food, health care and housing. Immigrant working families will face a terrifying decision: Continue to use programs that serve as their lifeline and jeopardize a secure future in the United States, or halt their use of government support to stay on course in their pathway to citizenship. News of the impending rule has already driven thousands to dis-enroll from programs, a decision that gravely jeopardizes their wellbeing, and the wellbeing of the communities they live in.

What will happen if the rule goes into effect?

This change to the “public charge” rule has the potential to devastate millions of immigrants and their families. One in four American children have at least one immigrant parent. It is estimated that 24 million would be impacted nationally, including 9 million children. Imagine that, your child is sick, but you’re afraid to go to the doctor. The proposed rule would erode the resilience of working families; strain schools, hospitals, nonprofits, and other community institutions; and threaten our collective prosperity.

Want to take action?

Speak out. The Department of Homeland Security is required to review every unique public comment they receive about the proposal. You can read the summary of the proposed changes here, and you can add your voice here. You have until December 10, 2018 to make a comment.

To learn more and support efforts to oppose the expansion of the “public charge” rule, connect with these organizations and resources:

Cal Wellness raised our voice to oppose the proposed change to the public charge rule. Read our comment below, and join others in raising your voice here by submitting a comment before Monday, Dec. 10.

The proposed public charge rule put forward by the Department of Homeland Security is a direct affront to the fundamental beliefs and values of this country. As President and CEO of The California Wellness Foundation, I write today to inform DHS that we strongly oppose it. This proposed policy will devastate the health and wellness of California, home to more immigrants than any other state in the country, and communities across the nation. Community health depends on all community members’ ability to contribute and engage fully. This proposed policy will make immigrants and their family members fearful of accessing essential health, nutrition and shelter programs. People will be afraid to seek the help they need, even if the public charge test does not apply to them. As one of the largest health funders in the state of California, with an asset size of $ 1 billion, Cal Wellness believes that all people deserve to enjoy good health and experience wellness, regardless of race, gender, education, economic position or legal status. What people contribute to our communities should define who we are as a country. This proposed policy should be withdrawn, and policies that strengthen communities by supporting all community members should be advanced.

Director of Public Policy Sandra J. Martínez

Sandra J. Martínez plans, coordinates and oversees Cal Wellness’ public policy activities as a means of advancing its mission, achieving its goals and amplifying the impact of its grantmaking.

Public Charge Rule Change Is a Threat to Our Collective Wellness

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