The Community Action Partnership, the National Association for State Community Services  Programs (NASCSP), and CAPLAW have been following a recent initiative being pursued by the Department of Homeland Security, which would make changes to what is referred to as the Public Charge Rule. Under the  proposed changes, use of certain government programs would count as negative factors against legal immigrants when they apply for citizenship. Medicaid, SNAP, and certain housing programs are specifically called out in the proposal. CSBG, WAP, LIHEAP, and Head Start are not included in the proposed rule. However, this proposal could have spillover effects negatively impacting Community Action programs and customers.

The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on October 10^th, kicking off a 60-day comment period. The National Partners will host a webinar on November 28th at 12:30 ET/11:30 CT/10:30 MT/9:30 ET. This webinar will give an overview of the proposal and will share suggested comments and templates that your agency can use to officially weigh in the proposal if you so choose. Comments on the Federal Register Notice are due December 10th.

Register