LULAC Denounces USCIS Public Charge Rule Implementation
Nation’s Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Stands Against the Public Charge Rule that Takes Away Basic Programs from Immigrants
Washington, DC - Today, the League of United Latin American Citizen (LULAC) stood up against the announcement by USCIS regarding the implementation of the Public Charge Ground “Final Rule” that will go into effect on February 24, 2020. The Final Rule will mandate that USCIS consider new factors required under the law, such as immigrant’s age, health, income, education and skills, among others, to determine whether they are admissible to the United States. The Final Rule also limits who can obtain or keep legal immigration status based on the use of publicly-funded programs such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps).
“This public charge rule is a blatant attack against immigrants, especially low-income families who are often fleeing their home countries out of fear for their lives,” said LULAC National President Domingo Garcia. “Under the Trump Administration, USCIS has become the enforcer of cruel, heartless and xenophobic policies that have disproportionately punished Latino families. LULAC will continue its fight against this senseless new rule. Let’s remind President Trump that America is a nation of immigrants, including his own family, and our strength comes from our diversity.”
“The Trump Administration continues to make clear its intent to stand for a white supremacist agenda that makes life harder for immigrant families by restricting their ability to access basic programs. This anti-American and dangerous public charge rule hurts our most vulnerable communities and throws out our values of family unity,” said LULAC CEO Sindy Benavides. “For decades, generations of immigrants who arrived with little to nothing, have achieved the American Dream and now greatly contribute to this country, both economically and culturally. Our influence and numbers will only continue to grow, so we must stand strong together, and continue to be a beacon of hope for the new generation of immigrants who come to this country escaping death and persecution in search of a better future.”
About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit https://lulac.org/