Planned
Parenthood of Southern New England opposes Trump racist ‘public
charge’ rule
The Trump-Pence administration’s Department of Homeland Security released
its final public charge rule, a harmful rule designed to keep families
separated and to dissuade immigrants from accessing health care and meeting
other basic needs.
Under this new rule, people could be
denied visas, green cards, and entry into the United States simply because they
have received any one of a broad range of public benefits they are legally
allowed to access, including health care, nutrition assistance, and housing
assistance.
The rule will likely take effect on
or around October 15, 2019.
“The Trump-Pence administration uses
any opportunity to continue to persecute and oppress immigrants – this inhumane
rule will punish people for accessing essential benefits and make people afraid
to get the health care, housing support, food, and critical social services
they need.
“This is yet another racist, cruel
attack on one of our most vulnerable communities. Clearly Trump’s policies and
hateful rhetoric are meant to encourage prejudice, promote discrimination, and
create a toxic culture of fear and xenophobia.
“Immigrants and their families
already struggle to access basic necessities, including health care. Health
care is a human right, and we stand with our patients and immigrant communities
in Connecticut and Rhode Island to fight back against these harmful policies
and protect everyone’s right to live healthy, safe lives.
“We will continue to offer reproductive
health care to anyone in need—our doors stay open.
“We thank Connecticut Attorney
General William Tong for challenging this dangerous rule in court and call on our elected officials,
supporters, and advocates to oppose any attempt to prevent people from meeting
their basic needs or accessing legal public benefits to help care for their
families. No one’s health or safety should be at risk because of their
immigration status.”
Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island is the
advocacy and social welfare arm of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.