Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the nation’s largest affiliation of independent Asian American civil rights organizations, issues the following statement in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s final rule on public charge regulations.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice is deeply opposed to the Department of Homeland Security’s rescission of key provisions of the 2022 Public Charge Rule. When this policy was first proposed, our affiliation and 57 partner organizations urged DHS to withdraw it, warning that the changes would create fear, confusion, and harmful consequences for immigrant families.
By removing clear guardrails and giving immigration officials more discretion, the new policy risks inconsistent and biased decision-making in public charge determinations. It also eliminates important protections that clarified immigrants would not be penalized for applying for or receiving benefits on behalf of their U.S. citizen family members.
Mixed-status households, which are common in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, will be substantially harmed by these new public charge policies. The lack of clear guidance will lead families to forgo essential programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, and housing assistance out of fear that it could jeopardize a loved one’s immigration future. History has shown that confusion surrounding public charge policies produces a chilling effect that discourages eligible families from seeking healthcare and other critical support. The effects of this decision on our communities will be immediate and devastating.
Asian Americans have the highest share of immigrants among major racial and ethnic groups in the United States, and millions of AAPI individuals live in mixed-status households. Our communities are particularly vulnerable to the uncertainty created by this policy.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice remains committed to advocating for policies that protect family unity, promote community well-being, and ensure eligible individuals and families can access essential services without fear.
