Supreme Court Allows Public Charge Immigration Rule to Take Effect
Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court set aside the preliminary injunction from New York that prevented the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) public charge rule from taking effect nationwide. This was the last of the three district court nationwide injunctions standing, which means the DHS rule can go into effect nationwide — except in Illinois — while the litigation challenging it continues. CHA President & CEO Carmela Coyle issued a statement denouncing the rule.
Federal Court Injunctions Delay ‘Public Charge’ Rule
Last week, U.S District Court judges in New York, California, and Washington issued temporary injunctions against the Trump administration’s “public charge” rule, effectively blocking it from taking effect yesterday. In August, the administration announced changes expanding the federal government’s ability to deny immigrants U.S. entry or adjustment to their legal permanent resident status (e.g., green card) if they are determined likely to become public charges. The new policy adds to the list of programs that may be considered for determining public charge status, including not only cash assistance and long-term care but also certain health care, nutrition, and housing programs.
California Health and Human Services Agency Develops Public Charge Guide
The California Health and Human Services Agency has developed a two-page guide — to the federal government’s new public charge rule, which changes the policy under which the federal government can deny immigrants U.S. entry or adjustment to their legal permanent resident status (e.g., green card) if they are determined likely to become dependent on public programs as their main source of support. The guide —which will be updated periodically — includes information on the programs subject to the new rule, who is affected, its impact on permanent legal residents, links to legal resources, and more.
Free Member Forum Thursday to Explain ‘Public Charge’ Final Rule
The Trump administration’s “public charge” final rule could significantly impact hospitals’ relationships with patients and the communities they serve. To help hospital staff better understand the rule, CHA will hold a members-only forum, “Public Charge Final Rule: How to Communicate with Patients,” Sept. 12 from 1-3 p.m. (PT).
CHA Files Declaration Supporting State Legal Action to Oppose New Public Charge Rule
CHA President & CEO Carmela Coyle this week filed a declaration supporting a federal court lawsuit brought by the state of California and others challenging the federal government’s recent expansion of the public charge rule — regulatory changes that will dramatically increase the number of immigrants denied admission to the U.S. The declaration explains that the changes will impair access to care, affect health outcomes for entire families, and lead to a significant loss of health insurance coverage throughout the state.
Free Member Forum to Explain ‘Public Charge’ Final Rule
The Trump administration’s “public charge” final rule could significantly impact hospitals’ relationships with patients and the communities they serve. To help hospital staff better understand the rule, CHA will hold a members-only forum, “Public Charge Final Rule: How to Communicate with Patients,” Sept. 12 from 1-3 p.m. (PT).
The webinar will:
CHA Joins Statewide Leaders in Opposition to New Federal ‘Public Charge’ Rule
CHA stood with Gov. Newsom, Attorney General Becerra, and leaders of other statewide organizations as the state announced its lawsuit challenging the federal government’s new rule for denying immigrants entry to the U.S. or adjustment to their legal permanent resident status.
Final Rule Expands List of Programs to Be Considered Under ‘Public Charge’ Test
On Aug. 12, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized a rule to change the policy under which the federal government can deny immigrants U.S. entry or adjustment to their legal permanent resident status (e.g., green card) if they are determined likely to become public charges (see CHA’s response). The final rule expands the list of programs that may be considered for determining public charge status, to include not only cash assistance and long-term care but also certain health care, nutrition, and housing programs.
New Federal Public Charge Rule Threatens Health and Safety of Legal Immigrants
“The Trump Administration’s new ‘public charge’ rule jeopardizes the well-being of people who have legally immigrated to this country and who want nothing more than to feed and shelter their families and obtain life-saving care when they are sick or injured,” said Carmela Coyle, President & CEO of the California Hospital Association. “We are dismayed the federal government has adopted a misguided policy that will jeopardize access to health care and social support services for millions including children, seniors, the disabled and those with chronic conditions.
Proposed changes to ‘public charge’ rule would harm immigrant patients and their families
As physicians, we are taught that our duty is to do no harm. A proposed rule by the Department of Homeland Security may lead to harm by having the opposite of its intended effect.
The proposed “public charge” rule would make it harder for legal immigrants in this country to extend a visa or qualify for a green card if they have used public benefits. The rule could harm low-income workers by forcing them to choose between accessing vital work supports—basic health coverage, food and housing services that keep them healthy and able to work—and maintaining their immigration status. Their families could be affected, too.