The White House is currently reviewing a proposal that would change longstanding “public charge” policy by expanding it to encompass additional programs and benefits that are currently not subject to the public charge consideration. The expansion would:
- Include programs like Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, WIC, LIHEAP, and others
- Allow the federal government to take into account use of programs by U.S. citizen children and other family members in making a public charge determination.
If adopted, this change will force immigrant families to think that they have to make impossible choices between meeting basic needs and keeping their families together in this country. And even though the “public charge” rule does not apply to many immigrant families, confusion and fear are likely to cause even those who are exempt from “public charge” to forego or lose access to benefits they need and are eligible to receive. Not accessing critically needed healthcare resources could have serious negative public health consequences for the city. Whether it’s because of the risk or actual threat of immigration consequences, families will be cut off from essential services like health care or nutrition assistance. The effects will be devastating for families, communities, and our City.
Please join Take Action Philly to learn from experts in policy, social services and healthcare about how this change will affect our communities and our City and what actions you can take to help.
Take Action Philly is an initiative formed by The Philadelphia Bar Association, with the support of the City of Philadelphia and several non-profit legal aid organizations, that unites lawyers, government, community organizations and residents to protect and assist Philadelphia residents. The goal of each convening is to educate Philadelphia's community about the anticipated impact of federal and state policy decisions and identify action plans for people to get involved.
To register, click here.