FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 26, 2018
CONTACT: Wenona Wolf, Communication and Development Manager, Kids Forward wwolf@kidsforward.net, 608-284-0580 x 304
MADISON, WI –Over the weekend, the Trump Administration proposed a rule that will endanger the health for millions of immigrant families, especially children. This, yet again, is another attack on communities of color by our nation’s leaders. The administration is proposing to change a decades old law about how it determines who gets admitted to the U.S. or is issued a green card.
Under current law, the government can refuse to give someone lawful permanent residence (green card) or refuse to allow them to enter the U.S. if it determines they are likely to be dependent on the government. The new rule greatly expands the list of benefits that the government can consider when granting green cards or admission to the U.S. Benefits such as healthcare and help with food or housing would be counted against someone who is trying to enter the country or get a green card.
“This is another attack against immigrant families and communities. The Trump administration is privileging wealthy and well-connected families ahead of families who have waited years to be reunited. It’s unfair, unhealthy, and not representative of the values Americans claim to hold true,” said Ken Taylor, executive director of Kids Forward. “The health of parents greatly impacts the health of children. This reckless change, will put immigrant families at risk, and will negatively impact Wisconsin’s communities all across the state. Hurting parents hurts children.”
The proposed rule is another attack in a long-line of actions that target immigrants and immigrant families. Most immigrants and their children, the overwhelming majority of whom are citizens, are people of color. This rule is another example of Trump Administration policies aimed to harm people of color.
Hundreds of children still remain separated from their parents, and President Trump continues to scapegoat immigrants and immigrant families. Rather than spending time creating new barriers for immigrant families, the Trump administration should follow the federal court mandate and work to reunite children the administration separated from their parents.
These changes will not take effect until after a 60-day comment period, which will begin after the rule is published, which is expected to happen soon. The federal government needs to review all comments submitted. Kids Forward plans to submit comments and encourages individuals and organizations to speak out, be heard, and share stories. To learn more about the proposed rule please visit protectingimmigrantfamilies.org
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Kids Forward advocates for effective, long-lasting solutions that break down barriers to success for children and families in Wisconsin. Using research and a community-informed approach, Kids Forward works to help every kid, every family, and every community thrive.