Change in rules affecting public charges

The Trump administration, through the Department of Homeland Security, designed a plan to expand the criteria by which an immigrant can be considered a “public charge,” including two that were not on the list, such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP.

During his first term, President Trump implemented a similar measure, but Joe Biden revoked it to ensure that immigrants would not suffer reprisals for receiving social benefits. Once again, Trump is proposing to repeal the 2022 regulation on public charge inadmissibility approved during the Biden administration.

Adriana Cadena, Executive Director of the Protecting Immigrant Families coalition, explains this initiative and clarifies that it is not yet in effect.

Adriana Cadena, Executive Director of the Protecting Immigrant Families coalition, comments that the new proposal will expand the benefits that officials can consider when deciding whether or not to grant citizenship.

Adriana Cadena acknowledges that it greatly affects immigrants.

The rule as proposed will expand the benefits that officials can take into account when granting permanent residency. Adriana Cadena explains how it would work.

One risk of this proposal is that there would be discretion in the decision. Or that officials would apply the law in a discretionary manner.

What would be the impact on our community, since there are families eligible for programs and benefits? Let’s hear from Adriana Cadena, Executive Director of the Protecting Immigrant Families coalition.

Adriana Cadena, Executive Director of the Protecting Immigrant Families coalition, tells us what the concerns are about this measure.

She details who may be affected or impacted.

Adriana Cadena, Executive Director of the Protecting Immigrant Families coalition, acknowledges that some information is still unclear and incomplete.

It is concerning because today the law says there are benefits that cannot be applied to family members or children.

There are vulnerable people who would be most affected if they are in the process of applying for residency.

Therefore, remember that it is important to stay informed.