Attributed to Kate Leone, Chief Government Relations Officer
“As the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States, we at Feeding America are concerned that the Department of Homeland Security’s final rule to broaden the definition of public benefits included in public charge determinations will increase hunger in this country. By adding participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to the list of factors that may be negatively counted against individuals seeking lawful residency or citizenship – even when those individuals are legally entitled to that assistance – this rule will create an impossible choice for people struggling to put food on the table. Moreover, the proposal has already created fear and confusion, dissuading immigrant communities – regardless of whether they are impacted by the rule – from seeking food assistance of any kind.
“Currently, federal immigration policy allows officials to deny entry, or legal permanent residency, to immigrants on the basis that they are likely to become a public charge, or dependent on government benefits as their main source of support. Before this rule, only the receipt of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash benefits and Medicaid long-term care were considered during case evaluation. This rule will broaden the definition of public charge to include whether an individual received certain additional public services including food assistance through SNAP.
“This policy creates another hurdle in the fight to end hunger, with food assistance threatening an individual’s lawful residency or citizenship. It will increase hardship in immigrant communities. We greatly urge the Administration to rescind this rule and allow legal immigrant families to seek the food assistance they need without fear of retribution.”
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About Feeding America
Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. We support tens of millions of people who experience food insecurity to get the food and resources they say they need to thrive as part of a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs. We also invest in innovative solutions to increase equitable access to nutritious food, advocate for legislation that improves food security and work to address factors that impact food security, such as health, cost of living and employment. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations, and supporters, united with them in a movement to end hunger. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.