Public Charge Update: What You Can Do to Help Protect Immigrant Families

Public Charge Update

What You Can Do to Help Protect Immigrant Families

The final public charge rule is set to take effect in less than 3-weeks, on October 15th, 2019. While the effects of this harmful policy are already being felt , we as organizations and individuals can make a difference by uniting to help immigrant Californians make informed decisions about their health.

What can you do to mitigate the harm of public charge?

Fight Fear with Facts
Only attorneys can provide legal advice, but anyone can deliver these key messages:
R efer Concerned Individuals to Legal Aid

Every immigration case is unique. Refer individuals with specific questions to one of these qualified providers.
Share Good Information on Social Media
U se this Public Benefits Awareness Social Media Toolkit to share key messages.
Join CA Protecting Immigrant Families (CA PIF)
Be a part of the movement to protect immigrant families in California-- join the coalition .

For more see: Key Actions States, Localities and Service Providers Can Take to Support Immigrant Access to Health, Nutrition, and Housing Programs .

What's being done to stop implementation of the rule?

Litigation May Halt the Rule from Taking Effect
A total of eight lawsuits have been filed in five states--three in California. The first preliminary injunction motion will be heard October 2nd in the Northern District of California. We hope to be granted an injunction halting the countdown to implementation. We will share updates ASAP.

In support of these efforts, multiple amici ("friends of the court") briefs have been filed to document the massive harm to the public interest, and to explain why the rule should not take effect. CFPA is signed on to the nutrition & housing amicus brief, filed on five lawsuits.

Federal Legislation to Block Funding
Two bills have been introduced to block implementation funding for the new rule.

Protect American Values Act, introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and cosponsored by 26 Senate Democrats.
No Federal Funds for Public Charge Act of 2019, introduced by Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) and cosponsored by 103 House Democrats.

TAKE ACTION : Urge your member of congress to co-sponsor these bills!

What resources can I share with colleagues, clients, and community members?

Training for Direct Service Providers and Advocates

Does your organization work directly with/advocate on behalf of potentially impacted Californians? Then we have a train-the-trainer series just for you!

This brochure details what's available, with instructions for requesting support from CA-PIF to train your organization.
Share These with Community Members
- Getting the Help You Need Fact Sheet
  Available here in Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, Chinese, French.
- Customizable Public Charge Poster - English & Spanish
  A simple poster designed to calm fear and connect people to legal aid.
Find all these resources and more here.

Public charge poses a real threat to the health and well-being of our communities. Luckily, there's a network of advocates across California--and the nation--dedicated to doing what we can to keep immigrants connected to food and other essential supports. Please join the movement to #ProtectFamilies.

Questions? Contact Gabby Tilley gabby@cfpa.net