Protecting Immigrant Families - Michigan | Michigan Immigrant Rights Center

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The Trump administration has published a proposed rule that would force many immigrants and their families to choose between accessing essential public services and keeping their families together. Protecting Immigrant Families Michigan is a collaborative campaign of the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, ACCESS, the Michigan League for Public Policy, and the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation.

Many families already have questions and fears about these proposed changes. These changes have not yet gone into effect, so immigrant families should continue accessing the benefits they need, for their eligible family members. However, now is the time to prepare.

What immigrant families should know now:

This proposed rule is not yet official, and we can fight back!
There’s no reason to drop off public benefits like Medicaid or food stamps now. If a new rule is eventually implemented, it will only apply going forward. The only benefits that currently affect the public charge determination are cash assistance or institutionalized long-term care paid for by the government.
Some immigrants are exempt from a public charge determination, including refugees, asylees, U-visa or T-visa recipients, VAWA, Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJS) and some others.
If you already have a green card, the new rule would only affect you if you leave the U.S. for more than 6 months, or are otherwise seeking readmission into the U.S. The new rule would not apply when renewing your green card or applying to become a U.S. Citizen.
Individuals outside of the U.S., applying for admission, or who plan to leave the U.S. to get their green card through a U.S. consulate abroad, may already be subject to a stricter public charge evaluation. Consult with an immigration attorney before leaving the United States.