Safety Net Access in the Context of the Public Charge Rule

The Trump administration’s proposed changes to the “public charge” rule in 2018 have caused fear and confusion in immigrant communities that are now avoiding participating in social welfare programs. “Safety Net Access in the Context of the Public Charge Rule” by the Urban Institute examines this chilling effect and other impacts of the proposed changes. Previously, public charge referred to individuals deemed likely to receive cash benefits or long-term medical institutionalization.” In 2018, the report notes, the Trump administration expanded the criteria for which both temporary visa and green card holders can be designated a “public charge.” By accepting non-cash support, such as food stamps or Medicaid, an immigrant can be deemed “inadmissible” to the United States and have their permanent residency applications denied. Owing to the lack of meaningful analysis on behalf of the government, it is unclear exactly which programs qualify as a public charge. Through a qualitative analysis of survey data collected through the Well-Being and Basic Needs Survey of nearly 2,000 adults in immigrant homes, including 25 in-depth telephone interviews, the report finds that this lack of clarity has led to widespread fear and anxiety around accepting necessary benefits due to the perceived effect such acceptance will have on their immigration status. These benefits include food assistance and Medicaid. The report captures the toll that the proposed public charge rule has taken upon immigrants by including excerpts from one-on-one interviews. The report argues that this shift in policy causes individuals to be afraid to sign up for programs that are vital to their financial, psychological and physical wellbeing. (Mia Fasano for The Immigrant Learning Center’s Public Education Institute)

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