Protect Immigrant Children by Understanding and Resisting the  Public Charge Rule Changes, Released August 12, 2019:

A newly released rule from the Department of Homeland Security aims to greatly expand what it means to be a public charge, and will drastically reshape who we welcome in our society. The proposed rule affects lawfully present immigrants seeking to become LPRs or “green card” holders and individuals seeking to immigrate to the U.S. It places a higher value on those who are affluent, shutting out hard-working immigrants and their families. With one in four American children having at least one immigrant parent, this issue touches millions.

The rule will go into effect on October 15th if not held up by litigation.  The National Immigration Law Center has announced its intention to file a lawsuit against the rule it views as discriminatory.

Continue to go here to find ongoing resources about Public Charge: https://protectingimmigrantfamilies.org/community-education-resources/

Social Media information about the Public Charge rule can be found at: #ProtectFamilies

RIM Director, Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea, offered this comment on the ruling:

“The calling of our scriptures is clear and repeated to ‘maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute’ (Ps. 82:3) and “defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:9.) Instead, the new public charge rule puts immigration status at risk if a person is not wealthy, and punishes potential immigrants who may have an existing health condition. It penalizes immigrants who seek to obtain legal status if they have accessed public housing benefits–even if they have done so temporarily–and likewise threatens consequences upon single parents who may need benefits for a short time to support their family as they build stability.  Such damages are unnecessary and harmful to families and communities, and we urge the Administration to rescind the rule.”

Use these resources to continue to learn and share more about the impacts of the new Public Charge rule!

Talking about Public Charge from a Faith Perspective

• The rules change to public charge is another way a punitive immigration system can harm immigrants.
Even before implementation, fears of the changes have led many immigrants to withdraw from the few
resources for which immigrant families are eligible.
• Our faith calls us to stand up for people and families facing persecution and oppression at the hands of the
powerful. As Christians, we believe that all people are created in God’s image, regardless of their wealth or background.
• This new Public Charge rule will create an immigration system that favors the wealthy, and would eliminate hard
working families who are building their future.
• The rule forces families to choose between being together with stability and meeting basic
human needs like food and medical care.
• The rules changes will also affect U.S. citizens who are part of mixed immigration status families,
including kids and pregnant women who are in families that use these programs to fulfill basic needs.

Questions?  Contact Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea, RIM Director, at: sstanley@dhm.disciples.org or   202-957-7826.