It seems that this summer, the Trump Administration is doing all it can to undermine the country’s social safety net and stoke anxiety in marginalized communities, particularly in immigrant communities.

We’re writing today with updates and actions on two of the federal government’s proposed policy changes that could potentially change how some of the country’s vital federal assistance programs operate, and for whom.

Earlier this week, the Trump Administration announced its final version of the “public charge” rule, which would force immigrants to undergo a rigorous wealth test in order to obtain their green card—an important step in the process of ultimately becoming a US citizen. Under new guidelines, immigrants may be denied their green card if they have in the past used or are deemed likely to use federal assistance programs such as Medicaid, Section 8, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program  (SNAP), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).  

Without a doubt, this policy blatantly favors wealthy immigrants, and boldly inserts racist, classist, and white supremacist ideology into a process that should be open and equitable for all. Even though the use of benefits will not automatically make someone ineligible for a green card, it's obvious that the Trump Administration hopes that news of this policy will deter immigrants from using the public assistance they are lawfully eligible for.

Read our blog post for more in-depth information about the public charge ruling, including straightforward facts on who could be impacted. It's also important to remember that multiple lawsuits have been filed by states and organizations across the country in response to this rule, and that litigation could deter or completely stop this policy before it is set to begin on October 15, 2019. The Protecting Immigrant Families Campaign has also developed fact sheets and advocacy materials.

We are also closely watching the Trump Administration's continued attacks on SNAP. Although it may seem that advocates just successfully wrapped up a fight against proposed cuts to SNAP earlier this year, the administration is at it again-- this time with a proposal that would take away SNAP benefits from 3.1 million people.

Currently, under a policy option known as "Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility," the majority of states (over 40!) allow people to receive SNAP if they have slightly more in savings or make slightly more in income than otherwise allowed by federal SNAP rules. The proposed SNAP cuts would eliminate Categorical Eligibility, and also therefore leave millions without food assistance.

The current administration is clearly doing all it can to gut SNAP and harm low-income communities. We cannot let that happen. Add your comment today condemning these proposed cuts to SNAP, and share with your networks!