SFCCC stands with our colleagues against the inclusion of health, housing and food programs in proposed public charge rules

As advocates for and providers of quality health care for all, SFCCC was disheartened to hear that the Administration has continued to advance its dangerous expansion of the regulations surrounding public charge. Currently, only the use of cash assistance or long term care has been considered as contributing to the likelihood of being considered a “public charge” when seeking legal immigrant status. Under the proposed rules, the federal government could consider the use of additional public benefits – including non-emergency Medicaid. When the rules are formally published next week, we will join our partners throughout the country to encourage a strong response through the official process.

Please note that the rules are not retroactive and are not likely to become official until at least 120 days from their date of publication. 

While we fight together with our colleagues against the inclusion of health, housing and food programs in the regulations, immigrant families and individuals should continue to seek and use programs for which they are legally entitled.

As always community health centers in San Francisco and throughout the nation will continue to serve anyone who needs primary health care, without regard to immigration status or the ability to pay.