Meng Condemns Proposed Public Charge Rule Denying Benefits to Immigrants

Press Release

Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) spoke at a press conference on Capitol Hill condemning the Trump administration's proposed rule to limit immigrants from using public benefits.

The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) proposed public charge rule would have dire consequences for immigrant communities, forcing families to choose between maintaining their legal immigration status and daily necessities such as food, healthcare and housing.

"Taking away life-saving essential programs for immigrants and their children would be callous and despicable," said Meng. "As a nation enriched by our immigrant communities, we must continue to support their access to basic necessities. I have sent letters to the administration urging them to rescind the proposed rule and I've spoken out against it. It is inhumane to punish law-abiding immigrants from accessing critical safety net programs like SNAP, housing assistance, and Medicaid -- benefits to which they are legally entitled. I will continue to fight against this ugly proposed rule."

Meng has repeatedly advocated against the proposed rule changes. After the changes were announced last year, she sent a letter to then-DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen in November 2018, and another letter in December 2018.

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