WASHINGTON, DC – FWD.us President Todd Schulte issued the following statement today after the Trump Administration announced changes to the public charge policy:

“The Trump Administration’s changes to the ‘public charge’ policy are an effort to substantially reduce legal immigration in the United States. Immigrants are vital contributors to their communities and the economy, paying taxes and creating jobs.

“This rule punishes green card applicants for using benefits to which they are legally entitled to receive. Even rumors of this rule have already created fear and chaos within immigrant communities. We strongly encourage everyone to discuss the impacts carefully and not unnecessarily increase fear and trauma, as these harmful collateral consequences may even outweigh the direct policy impacts.

“This decision will hurt our families, communities and economy, all of which are made stronger and more prosperous because of the contributions of immigrants of all skill levels. Numerous organizations have already indicated that they will bring legal challenges against this effort to dramatically slash legal immigration and harm the ability of immigrants to fully contribute and achieve the American dream. ”

ON BACKGROUND:
In October 2018, more than a quarter of a million public comments were filed in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the public charge policy, overwhelmingly in opposition to the Trump Administration’s proposed changes.