On November 19, CLPHA hosted a member call to receive feedback regarding comments on the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed rule, “Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds.” “Public Charge” is a term used by U.S. immigration officials to refer to an individual who is “primarily dependent on the government for subsistence.” An immigrant who is found to be “likely . . . to become a public charge” may be denied admission to the U.S. or lawful permanent resident status.
The current public charge definition only considers cash assistance and long-term institutionalized care, while the new rule proposes expanding the list of benefits considered under this definition to include, among others, public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, and Project-Based Rental Assistance. During the call, CLPHA members expressed concern about the proposal’s lack of clarity, the potential for additional burdens required of PHAs, and the overall chilling effect that the rule could have among residents and their families, as well as their decision to maintain housing assistance.
CLPHA will be submitting comments to the proposed rule, which are due on December 10, 2018.