WASHINGTON — Following is the statement of APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, regarding the administration’s decision to implement the “public charge” rule that would limit the eligibility of low-income immigrants to federal programs including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income and health, housing and nutrition programs:
“Implementing this rule will no doubt harm the physical and mental health of the neediest and hardworking immigrant families. It will affect them disproportionately and may well lead to more immigrant families being separated. The decision to bar certain low-income immigrants from life-sustaining and often life-saving programs is a callous act that is not consistent with our values as a nation.
“This rule flies in the face of basic human decency and disrupts legal pathways to residency and citizenship. It is disappointing that the rule is being implemented despite the fact that the vast majority of those who commented on the rule opposed it, including APA. APA calls on Congress to do whatever it can to overturn this measure with the procedures under the Congressional Review Act before the rule goes into effect on Oct. 15.”
At its annual meeting last week, APA passed a new policy calling on lawmakers in Congress and statehouses to ensure immigrants and refugees can access medical, mental health and social services.