When someone applies for a visa to enter the U.S. or for lawful permanent resident status (to get a “green card”), a U.S. government official looks at the person’s life circumstances to see if the person is likely to depend on the government for support in the future; in other words, if the person is likely to become a “public charge.” If they are deemed likely to be a “public charge” their application can be denied. The government is proposing to change the public charge policy dramatically, to make it more difficult for low and moderate income families to immigrate.” Our communities are also concerned about the ‘chilling effect’ of the proposed rule. Confusion around the proposed rule has led some people to avoid seeking health care or other services even when they qualify and desperately need it for fear that any potential use of government assistance, however temporary, will cost them the ability to remain in the U.S. or to improve their status. We can still fight this proposal and encourage others to do the same.
In this webinar, you will:
- Learn about NILC’s Protecting Immigrant Families, Advancing Our Future (PIF) campaign and how to engage
- Learn about the public comments process and how to effectively participate in it
- Learn different ways groups are educating communities about this topic. Advocates will share their best practices, resources, challenges, and lessons learned.
