ELCA on Public Charge

"The Trump Administration expanded public charge rule is a punitive measure that will stoke fear and increase suffering in immigrant communities. This new policy would impose an unprecedented income test on persons seeking legal entry to the United States and deny entrance if they are judged likely to be or ever in the future become a 'public charge' entitled to assistance with nutrition, housing or healthcare. In addition, current lawful permanent residents may have their applications for citizenship denied solely based on using or ever having used certain public programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This policy will cause a cascade of negative impacts, including increasing hunger, blocking family unification and severely restricting immigration of people who want to come and contribute to our nation.

"This cruel policy change flies in the face of our commitments as a church to people seeking a new home here. Our social message on immigration commits us to 'work for policies that cause neither undue repercussions within immigrant communities nor bias against them," says the Rev. Amy Reumann, ELCA director of advocacy. 'The public charge rule is an unneeded departure from current practice that prioritizes family unification and humanitarian needs and that values the vitality and contributions of all immigrants regardless of economic status."

"WE support benefits for lawful permanent residents as a public good, stating in the ELCA social message on 'Immigration.' 'The denial of benefits to permanent residents favors wealthier immigrants and creates unwarranted barriers for poorer ones. Most permanent residents are an integral part of our society who abide by the law, pay Social Security and taxes, and contribute to the economic and cultural life of their communities. In order to help assure their well-being, especially of their children, we support legislation that gives them access to the same benefits citizens receive."