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Public Charge

NYLAG Opposes the Trump Administration’s Changes to the Public Charge Rule

For Immediate Release  
Contact: bpacheco@nylag.org | c: 917.771.9845

(NEW YORK, NY) January 29, 2020: In a devastating move, the U.S. Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to move forward with plans to deny green cards to certain immigrants who use public benefits such as federal Medicaid, food stamps and housing vouchers. These changes to the public charge rule will go into effect even though litigation is pending in the courts challenging the final rule.

There is a lot of misinformation and fear among immigrants about whether the rule will impact them or their family members. Generally, it’s important to note that the rule does not directly affect all immigrants – it applies to a narrow subset of people when they apply for a green card or certain types of visas and if they have used or are likely to use certain government benefits.

This rule is complex and there is no one size fits all. Therefore, it’s important that concerned individuals reach out to knowledgeable attorneys like those at NYLAG and discuss their specific concerns.

“At NYLAG, we adamantly oppose this policy. We know that it is designed to instill fear in those not even directly impacted. It is a direct attack on people experiencing poverty and will have a disproportionate impact on people of color. NYLAG is committed to fighting this rule and if it permanently goes into effect to helping immigrants navigate its complexities,” said NYLAG President & Attorney-in-Charge Beth Goldman. 

We remain committed to helping individuals regardless of their immigrant status.

If you have questions, please know where to reach out:

  • Medical providers: NYLAG’s LegalHealth hotline: 212.659.6188
  • Action NYC Hotline, 800-354-0365, M-F, from 9 am-5 pm, or call 311 and say “Action NYC”
  • New York Immigration Coalition (of which we are a member) state-wide list of legal resources, https://www.nyic.org/providers/

About NYLAG

Founded in 1990, the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) is a leading not-for-profit legal services organization advocating for adults, children, and families that are experiencing poverty or have low-income. We address emerging and urgent needs with comprehensive, free civil legal services, direct representation, impact litigation, policy advocacy, financial counseling, a medical-legal partnership model, and community education and partnerships.

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