This week, we have a bittersweet announcement about an upcoming PIF transition.


** New DOS Public Comment Period + A PIF Transition
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Dear Allies,

This week, we have a bittersweet announcement about an upcoming PIF transition. We thank Renato Rocha for all he has done as our Deputy Campaigns Director, Research Working Group lead, and as an invaluable team player. We wish him the best in his new chapter!

Keep reading for more information on the public charge comment period for the Department of State's 2019 Interim Final Rule, plus a recent update to USCIS's Interagency Letter on Public Charge.


** PIF Transition: Thank You Renato!
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From Renato: I’d like to share the news that I’ll be leaving CLASP and PIF to accept a position at Code for America, where I’ll work to help make the delivery of public benefits more inclusive and effective. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked with PIF partners and see what PIF has been able to accomplish. Moving forward, I’m glad to know Eddie will continue to provide leadership and PIF’s all-star team of staff and consultants will continue to support and move the coalition’s work forward.

From Eddie: On behalf of the PIF community, I want to thank Renato for his years with PIF fighting for immigrant families. His work over the years has contributed to where we are today as a coalition, stronger and prepared to play offense for immigrant families across the country. It has been a pleasure to work with Renato over the last year and I can truly say he has made me a better Campaign Director and leader. We will miss you Renato but know that you will continue the fight in your new position and in the movement. Thank you for all that you do to improve the lives of immigrant families and for bringing your authentic self to the movement. Nos vemos pronto.


** Public Charge Comment Period at State Department
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Yesterday, the Department of State (DOS) published ([link removed]) a comment opportunity on public charge. We’ll have until January 18 to submit comments. DOS has asked for comments on whether DOS’s 2019 Interim Final Rule should be rescinded or revised, and what final rule should be adopted, if any. We’ll be discussing our comment strategy in the coming days. We are likely to draft a brief comment outlining our recommendations to DOS and encourage partners to join us in signing onto it to send a unified message to DOS on the direction of the policy.


** Updated Interagency Letter from USCIS on Public Charge
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This week, USCIS updated it’s interagency letter ([link removed]) on public charge, which underscores that the Trump-era regulations are no longer in effect. The letter includes an expanded list of programs that are not considered in a public charge determination, new language on the various statuses that are statutorily exempt from public charge, and information about their ongoing and planned outreach efforts.


** Public Charge in the News
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* Queens Chronicle ([link removed]) – NYC’s health care access program for undocumented folks, NYC Care, approaches 100,000 members.
* FreshWater Cleveland ([link removed]) – Child Tax Credit primer cites CLASP’s fact sheet on CTC eligibility for immigrant families.
* CNN ([link removed]) – Story about how the Administration is translating the Biden immigrant inclusiveness executive order into improved naturalization outreach efforts.

In Solidarity,

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

Visit us at [link removed]

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