USCIS to Federal Agencies: The Nation’s Public Charge Policy Has Changed!

Dear Allies,

This week, we are sharing a letter that USCIS shared with other federal agencies asking them to help with public education efforts and spreading the word about the end of the Trump era public charge regulations. As a coalition, we are dedicated to continuing our community education and outreach efforts, and we are excited about this step from the federal government!

We are also happy to share a range of resources and upcoming webinars from our partners this week, including an exciting new partnership between the CDC and APIAHF and 27 other AA NHPI partners. 

Last week, USCIS issued this interagency letter, asking other federal agencies to help spread the word that the Trump public charge regulations are no longer in effect. The letter provides information about the longstanding 1999 public charge guidance that has been reinstated, including public benefits not considered in a public charge inadmissibility determination: Medicaid (except for Medicaid for long-term institutionalization), public housing, or SNAP benefits. It also notes that medical treatment or preventive services for COVID-19, including vaccinations, will not be considered for public charge purposes. The letter encourages immigrants to access benefits, saying that “It is critical that immigrants and their families, many of whom are essential workers, are able to access necessary government services for which they may be eligible to keep their families safe and healthy”. We applaud this letter, and will continue to work with officials to broaden community education and outreach efforts.

The Heath Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), the HHS agency administering reimbursements for COVID-19 vaccinations not covered by insurance issued two new fact sheets for patients and providers. The fact sheets clarify that “testing, treatment or vaccinations paid for by the federal government will not affect anyone’s immigration status or be shared with immigration agencies,” reassure that you do not need a Social Security Number or government ID to receive a vaccine, and share key information for vaccine providers, including information about reimbursements for uninsured patients.

Our partners at the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) recently launched two in-language resources on COVID-19 and Hate Crimes:

1. National AA NHPI Health Response Partnership
   APIAHF and 27 national and community AA NHPI partners, with the CDC, launched the National AA NHPI Health Response Partnership to offer culturally and linguistically accessible resources to AA NHPI communities. The Partnership has created a collection of online resources to inform AA NHPI populations on different pressing public health issues. In its initial phase, the Partnership includes resources for COVID-19, specifically vaccinations, data accumulation efforts, public service announcements and health education.

2. Combat Hate Crime Toolkit
   APIAHF and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) collaborated on a combat hate crime toolkit that provides basic and critical information for victims, community based organization, and community leaders. Translated into 24 AA NHPI languages, this information provides background on:

   • Understanding the difference between a hate crime and hate incident

   • Working with law enforcement and the media

   • Checklist for community organizations

   • Frequently asked questions

Our partners at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities are hosting webinars today and early next week to support groups focused on ensuring immigrants and their families have access to COVID relief.

1. Stimulus Check Outreach Part II: Hard-to-reach Populations: Many harder to reach communities risk missing out on three rounds of stimulus checks and need direct support. Today, Thursday, April 22 at 3:00 PM ET (2PM CT/1PM MT/12 PM PT), join the webinar to explore tools and strategies to conduct stimulus payments outreach to hard-to-reach populations in your community.
    
2. The American Rescue Plan and Cash Assistance for Families that Include Immigrants: States have a role to play to maximize the reach of benefits and fill the gaps in federal COVID relief. On Monday, April 26 at 4pm ET 9 (1PM CT/12PM MT/11 AM PT), join the webinar to learn from advocates who have been at the forefront of efforts by state advocates to push policymakers to provide the resources and assistance that families excluded from federal COVID relief need.

• Washington Post – ID proves a vaccination barrier for DC-area immigrants.

• Sacramento Bee – Article examines whether NY or California is doing more to support immigrant families during the pandemic, and quoting PIF partners Western Center on Law and Poverty and citing PIF partner Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

• Sampan – Op-ed by a legal clinic attorney says public charge is gone, and it’s safe to get the care and help you need.

In Solidarity,

Eddie Carmona & Renato Rocha, on behalf of the PIF Team

Visit us at https://protectingimmigrantfamilies.org/