JACL Condemns Proposed Changes to Public Charge Definition

Press Release

David Inoue, Executive Director
dinoue@jacl.org, 202-223-1240

Sarah Baker, VP Public Affairs
sbaker@jacl.org

Washington, DC – Today the Department of Homeland Security published its proposal to alter the public charge classification for immigrants to the United States opening up the 60 day public comment period. Public charge is the classification of some immigrants who utilize public benefits such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families or Supplemental Security Income. The proposed rules will dramatically alter definition of Public Charge to include utilization programs such as Medicaid/Medicare, the Housing Choice Voucher program, and food assistance programs. The proposed changes also expand screening criteria for immigrants seeking entry to the country using characteristics such as age, health, family status, financial status, education, and skills including English proficiency.

The administration has likely proposed these changes for the potential cost savings that will result from reduced utilization of services. However, the decision by immigrants to not seek benefits fundamental to survival can have deeper impacts over time. Delaying health care access due to fears it may impact citizenship opportunities could result in devastating health problems for the individual and their family, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as children or the elderly. Limiting access to basic health care such as vaccines could have negative impacts beyond the individual, putting populations at higher risk for communicable disease. Discouraging access to healthcare, housing, and food benefits for a family is inhumane and yet another low blow for this country to impose upon our immigrant communities.

These policy proposals continue a legacy of anti-immigrant policies that have long existed in contrast to the lofty ideals of our nation. Although not as explicit as the racist discrimination that prevented Japanese immigrants in the early 20th century from naturalizing as citizens or owning land, these policy changes will serve to limit immigration and naturalization to a select few individuals who are able to pay their way into this country.

Legal immigration should be unequivocally encouraged and celebrated. These policy changes along with other actions by the administration, such as cuts to family immigration visas, demonstrate a disregard for even the most fundamental principles on which our country was founded. We depend upon a broad spectrum of immigration to enrich the portrait of who we are as a nation and cannot limit ourselves to welcome only those with significant financial means.

Now that the regulation has been posted, comments will be accepted through December 10th and can be submitted through this link: bit.ly/submitcomment

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The Japanese American Citizens League is a national organization whose ongoing mission is to secure and maintain the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all others who are victimized by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote cultural, educational and social values and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American community.