PUBLIC CHARGE RULE – A TIME FOR TRUTH, COMPASSION & OUTREACH

PUBLIC CHARGE RULE – A TIME FOR TRUTH, COMPASSION, AND OUTREACH

It’s not a secret that people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families often encounter challenges fighting for safety, health, inclusion, and opportunity. Now, as a result of a Supreme Court ruling, there exists a new challenge for some and a perceived threat for many.

Last Monday, January 27, the U.S. Supreme Court voted to let the Trump administration enforce the “public charge” rule, a regulation that is meant to reduce the number of immigrants who use social benefit programs. This means that individuals with I/DD, 21+ years old, who would possibly rely on Medicaid funded services – such as regional center services, SSI/SSP, housing assistance, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – would have an added roadblock to receive a green card or visa. As a movement of people with I/DD and their families committed to eliminating roadblocks for our community, The Arc finds solidarity with all of our brothers and sisters worldwide and has actively opposed this new rule.

This rule, however, has an additional and equally concerning threat: legal immigrant families in California reducing their use of these critical supports and services because they are concerned the rule applies to them. At this point we must fight this “chilling effect” and use our advocacy efforts to bring information and truth to our friends, families, neighbors, and clients that could perceive this threat.

STEP 1: BE INFORMED

The benefit programs this covers include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (EBTor Food Stamps), Federal Public Housing and Section 8 assistance, cash assistance (like SSI, TANF, and General Assistance), and Medicaid funded programs like Medicaid-Cal and regional center services. However, Medicaid use is not being looked at if it is for:

  • Emergency services;
  • Children under 21 years;
  • Pregnant women; and
  • New mothers.

Find more information at: https://protectingimmigrantfamilies.org/know-your-rights/

STEP 2: OUTREACH AND TRUTH

Many families may be in fear right now. Send this chart to your communities so they can quickly determine if they public charge applies to them. You can also share this blog post or the Spanish translation.

Another screening tool that can be used is:

More resources are below.

STEP 3: ADVOCATE

If you or somebody you know needs additional immigration advocacy related to public charge or other immigration services find help at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/benefits-services/more-services/immigration-services/immigration-services-contractors.

Additional Resources:

VIEW BY TOPIC