Phoenix meeting aims to clear up misinformation
Critics: ‘Public charge’ law confusing to immigrants
Some fearful Arizona families, regardless of whether they will be affected, may be avoiding health care for themselves and their children because of new barriers to immigration that take effect next month.
The Trump administration’s “public charge” final rule takes effect Oct. 15. It broadens the government’s ability to penalize immigrants who seek green cards if they use taxpayer-funded programs like housing assistance, food stamps and Medicaid.
The federal government says the new final rule promotes self-sufficiency and protects American taxpayers. It clearly defines the longstanding “public charge” law that ensures U.S. immigrants can support themselves financially and will not be reliant on public benefits, federal officials say.
Critics say it’s confusing and creating so much fear in immigrant communities that some families are avoiding food banks and are not signing their children up for free and reduced price meals at school, even though accessing those services wouldn’t affect their immigration status.
Both legal immigrants and undocumented immigrants who are hoping to adjust their status are affected, experts say. In some cases, they are avoiding important preventive health care.
News about the public charge change has been causing fear and confusion among low income immigrant families for more than a year, even though the changes aren’t yet in effect, according to local social service agencies.
Phoenix town hall Monday
A Phoenix coalition on Monday will hold a community meeting about the rule change.
The free Phoenix town hall will be in Spanish, with English interpretation available on request. It is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Encanto Elementary School Cafeteria, 1420 W. Osborn Road.
The hosts include the Association of Arizona Food Banks, the Arizona Housing Coalition, the Arizona Council of Human Service Providers and the Arizona Faith Network.
Local social service agencies are encouraging families to attend so that they can understand the rule changes and not cut themselves off from crucial programs that provide basic needs.
“We have received reports from our members, as well as community partners, that families are asking to be dropped from wraparound services, including Medicaid, KidsCare and SNAP (food stamps),” said Erika Mach, grassroots coordinator for the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers.
“One of our centers has even reported a 50% drop in their Women Infant and Child program, known as WIC, which helps families with nutritional, educational and support services,” she said. “Although WIC isn’t one of the programs in the public charge test, families have misconceptions about the new rule and are stopping their use out of fear.”
People who can’t make it to Monday’s meeting are encouraged to seek legal advice. To find free or low-cost legal resources, go to immigrationadvocates .org/legaldirectory/.
Refugees, people seeking asylum are not affected
A “public charge” assessment to determine someone’s likelihood of being reliant on government money is made when a person applies to enter the United States or adjust their status to obtain a green card.
The assessment grades on a scale and does not take government programs used by family members, including dependent children, into consideration — an important point for families to know, Phoenix immigration attorney Ayensa Millan said.
People applying for a green card for