The Boston Foundation today issued the following statement on a proposed rule change that would broadly expand the definition of how an immigrant could be classified as a “public charge,” a person who is likely to become dependent on the government for financial and material support:
“The Boston Foundation stands strong with dozens of other organizations in opposition to proposed changes in the definition of who is a “Public Charge.”
“The proposed changes will serve as a means to intimidate immigrants from seeking food, health or housing assistance in times of need, putting both their own and their families’ health and wellness at risk. The changes will discourage immigrants seeking green card status from reaching out for any benefits, including those to which they are rightfully entitled, or those made necessary by disaster or other unexpected hardships, such as the recent gas explosions in the Merrimack Valley."
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