What the Hill–SE1:EP3 “Public Charge Comments Deadline”
November 28, 2018The deadline to submit public comments on the administration’s proposed “public charge” rule is December 10. If promulgated, the rule would change the definition of public charge from a person who is “primarily dependent on the government for subsistence” to an immigrant “who receives one or more public benefits.” It would also expand the list of benefits included in the public charge determination, among other changes. This would have far-reaching consequences for children, families, and people with disabilities, as well as a significant impact on our economy.
The National Assembly submitted its comments to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week, asking the agency to withdraw the rule in its entirety because that is the only way to protect the well-being of these key populations. Further, while we did not suggest any alternative language to the proposed rule, we specifically asked DHS not to add the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to the list of expanded benefits. Listen to our latest podcast, above, to learn more about what we highlighted in our comments.
With the National Assembly’s comments as a guide, we urge your organization to submit its own unique comments. You can submit them using the Protecting Immigrant Families coalition’s form, or from the Federal Register directly.