Biden Announces Critical Student Debt Relief

Yesterday, the White House released a long-awaited decision on student debt relief and extended the payment pause through December 31, 2022. Borrowers who make less than $125k annually will have $10k removed from their debt totals, and Pell Grant recipients will see an additional $10k removed. The announcement also included much-needed revisions to the income-driven repayment plan for undergraduate loans, including reducing monthly payments by more than half and covering any unpaid interest.

The announcement represents critical relief for borrowers with low incomes and borrowers of color, who shoulder a disproportionate burden of student debt. Still, CLASP analyses show that state and local investments should be coupled with additional federal relief to keep future students from falling into the same debt cycles.

Federal Courts Chip Away at a Vision for a Humane Immigration System

The U.S. Supreme Court decided last month to delay hearing a case regarding the reinstatement of immigration enforcement priorities released last year by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This has serious implications for how immigration enforcement is carried out, with direct consequences for immigrant families, including those with U.S. citizen children.

“Thankfully, my grandmother and I were lucky enough to receive consistent financial support from SNAP, one of the nation’s largest benefit programs...But I also know that far too many families...are one arbitrary requirement or misguided provision away from losing nutrition assistance and falling more deeply into poverty.”