by Suzan Bateson, Executive Director of ACCFB

On Saturday, the Trump Administration released a draft of sweeping regulations that endanger the lives of immigrant families and our wider community. By penalizing community members’ use of SNAP and other public benefits, the “public charge” regulation puts money ahead of family, and threatens to worsen hunger, poverty, and unmet health and housing needs. This proposal is directly contrary to Alameda County Community Food Bank’s core values, as stated in our commitment to fight for what we believe, and does not represent the kind of community we want to be.

ACCFB has been active in opposing this regulation for more than a year and a half, signing a national statement against the rule (excerpt below), and working to organize partner organizations to do the same. We will remain involved in the national campaign to delay and defeat this attack on our community.

This proposed rule change would mark a fundamental change from our nation’s historic commitment to welcoming immigrants. It would radically reshape our legal immigration system,     putting the wealthy at the front of the line, ahead of hardworking families who have waited years to reunite. The proposal also deepens the nation’s racial divide. Immigrants who come to the United States through a family-based petition are overwhelmingly immigrants of color.

The Administration’s choice to target family-based immigrants will worsen disparities in health, hunger, and every other social malady. The rule would chill access to critical programs that help tax-paying immigrants and their families access health care, food, and other essential needs. These programs have helped to improve participants’ health, well-being, school success, and economic security. The proposed changes would put whole families at risk if an immigrant relative seeks access to virtually any public service. With about one in four children having at least one immigrant parent, this issue touches millions and is critical now and for our nation’s future.

We strongly oppose this proposed rule, which threatens the health and well being of all of us, including immigrants. We urge the Administration to withdraw this dangerous proposal and work with us to build policies that support immigrants as healthy, productive and successful members of America’s communities and families.