Biden administration puts a stop to ‘Public Charge’ restrictions for immigrants

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION) The Biden administration has stopped enforcing the "Public Charge" rule restricting immigrants from applying for residency if they received public assistance and benefits such as food stamps.

The Santa Cruz County Immigration Project and immigration attorneys say many local families avoided applying for much-needed assistance during the pandemic for fear of immigration consequences.

For 20-year Watsonville resident, Jesus Hernandez, having the opportunity to obtain residency means the opportunity to keep working.

“I think all of us immigrants are hard working people and we deserve that opportunity to work here in the united states without being afraid," says Hernandez.

Immigration Law Specialist Jessica Ricon says the decision to end public charge enforcement is good news for those attempting to get benefits like healthcare, food stamps and other public assistance but chose not to because of what was required.

“Immigration was going to be requesting information about your bank account, bankruptcy, credit score and benefits you’ve used and it was very scary for a lot of people, it made a lot of people ineligible," says Ricon

Immigration attorney Matthew Weisner says a 2018 Census report showed around 50,000 foreign born residents live in the Santa Cruz County area.

While many are still ineligible to become a legal resident to receive benefits, Weisner says he is now expecting to see an uptick in applications, which he says will be a big benefit.

“One example that we’ve seen repeatedly would be an immigrant parent who might not be documented taking their U.S. citizen children off of Medical or cancelling their food stamps or Section 8 housing and the results were really harmful to families in our community," says Weisner.

Weisner says the public charge restrictions also made it difficult for separated families to reunite.

Weisner says anyone should seek counsel from a licensed legal attorney to answer any questions they may have as they prepare for the process and to avoid falling victim to any scams or fraud.

“Healthcare programs such as Medical and COVID relief can be accessed without concern of immigration consequences, we really do want our community members to receive the care they need during these difficult times," says Weisner.