October 15, 2018
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) joins over 1,500 disability, immigrant, and civil rights organizations in strongly opposing the “Public Charge” rule proposed by the Department of Homeland Security. The proposed rule is blatantly discriminatory and would cause great harm to people with disabilities and their families. It would exclude individuals from this country just because they have a disability.
If this rule is enacted, individuals could be denied admission to the United States or have their application for lawful permanent residency denied because they used or applied for government services such as Medicaid, housing assistance, or food assistance — all of which help people with disabilities live independently and in the community.
The “Public Charge” rule clearly discriminates against people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Not only could it prevent people with disabilities from entering the United States or achieving permanent resident status, it would also discourage people with disabilities and their families who are already in the U.S. from seeking these critical public services for fear of jeopardizing their immigration status.
Make your voice heard through the public comment period between now and December 10, 2018. The federal government must seek input from the public before it can finalize the rule. Visit Protecting Immigrant Families for more information on the “Public Charge” rule, as well as instructions on how to submit a public comment against this dangerous and discriminatory proposal.
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The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the over 56 million Americans with disabilities by promoting equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation. Learn more at www.aapd.com.