Release: NEW BIDEN PUBLIC CHARGE RULE IS BIG WIN FOR IMMIGRANT FAMILIES

December 5, 2022

The newly updated public charge rule set by the Biden administration no longer affects those who are getting public assistance benefits. 

On Dec. 23, 2022, the Trump-era public charge that was set as an act of intimidation to the public to scare off those attempting to apply for a resident card will come to an end. The new Biden public charge rule was finalized September 8, 2022, by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), adds critical protections to secure immigrant families’ access to the health and social services safety net. 

Kayla Montano, Community Outreach Specialist at LUPE, said, “As we read terms such as ‘public charge’, they can set us off and scare us. With the previous public charge rule set by former President Trump, it was used to deter those interested in applying for a resident card. With this new public charge by President Biden, it allows families to apply without the fear of public charge concerns such as  using health care, nutrition, and housing programs.” 

To arrange virtual or in person interview with Kayla Montano, Community Outreach Specialist, contact Ramiro Gonzalez, LUPE communications coordinator, at (956) 360-4277 or ramirog@lupenet.org. Interviews available in English and Spanish.

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LUPE is a nonprofit organization that helps the community organize for and win a better quality of life. LUPE was founded in 1989 by farmworker and civil rights leaders Cesar E. Chavez and Dolores Huerta. We are a membership-based organization and our strength is found in the participation of our over eight thousand members.