LCLAA Applauds the Biden Administration on the Public Charge Rule

Washington, DC - LCLAA applauds the Biden Administration for its recent public charge rule, overturning the Trump Administration’s harmful expansion which deterred immigrant families from seeking health care and aid especially during the pandemic. The Administration ruled yesterday that programs relating to health care, nutrition assistance, and public housing will no longer be considered for public charge determinations.  

The ruling confirms that immigrant families can once again use and apply for these programs without fear. Immigrants will no longer be unfairly punished for seeking government assistance.  

Non-citizens can be deemed “public charge” by the Department of Homeland Security if they are considered likely to become dependent on government subsistence and can be denied entrance to the United States or have their immigration status adjusted for this classification. 

In the words of National President Yanira Merino, “each person, regardless of country of origin, deserves to have access to healthcare resources to care for themselves and their families. The Administration’s action yesterday took critical steps to not only remove unnecessary immigration barriers but to also improve the health of immigrants nationwide.” 

Read the full Rule here. Use this map to find a legal aid clinic that can provide you with a legal consultation and more information regarding the impact of this public charge announcement on your specific case.