By Sandra R. Hernandez, California Health Care Foundation, February 12, 2020
On January 27, the US Supreme Court lifted a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking implementation of the new public charge rule proposed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This reckless policy change is set to take effect in California on February 24, even as multiple legal challenges continue to move through the federal courts.
The new public charge rule is a radical and harmful change in federal policy. For many years, US immigration officials have conducted public charge tests to determine whether certain immigrants applying for a green card or a visa to enter the US will likely become dependent on the government to meet basic needs. Historically, the use of two public benefits — cash welfare and government-funded long-term care — counted against applicants. Among other changes, the new public charge rule expands that list of benefits significantly to include federally funded, nonemergency Medi-Cal for those 21 and older (unless pregnant), CalFresh, and federal housing assistance.
The new regulation is an affront to American values of inclusivity and poses a major threat to the progress California has made in lowering its uninsured rate. It is appalling that a nation of immigrants would punish more recent immigrants for using basic health and nutrition services that they support with their tax dollars and for which they are legally eligible.
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