Washington, D.C. – Bread for the World gave the following statement in response to the release of the Trump administration’s public charge rule. The rule will penalize legal immigrants who use public benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. The following can be attributed to Jane Adams, senior domestic policy analyst, Bread for the World:
“This rule will affect the health and well-being of millions of lawful residents in our country – including children. Nearly one quarter of kids in the United States have at least one immigrant parent, and 9 in 10 of these children who would be most impacted are U.S. citizens. Families will be forced to make the impossible choice of putting food on the table and staying together legally in the country.
“The rule is already having a ‘chilling effect’ on children and families and it hasn’t even gone into effect. Legal residents, including permanent residents, are foregoing SNAP, Medicaid, and programs not covered by the rule such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) because they fear they will be deported.
“The Bible is clear that God wants us to be generous and welcoming to all people, specifically immigrants (Matthew 25:40-45). We oppose the administration’s decision and urge them to immediately withdraw this rule.”
