The Children’s Defense Fund condemns in the strongest possible terms the finalized Department of Homeland Security Public Charge rule announced today.
Children's Defense Fund submitted comments to voice our strong opposition to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) proposed rule regarding "verification of eligible status" because it threatens the health, development and well-being of children.
Children's Defense Fund joined other leading national organizations to express our strong support for the Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections (HELP) for Separated Children Act (H.R. 3451) and the Help Separated Families Act (H.R. 3452), which codify protections for children who may be separated from their parents by immigration enforcement actions in the interior.
CDF submitted comments to urge the Department of Homeland Security to withdraw its proposal to revise the definition of 'public charge" and to dedicate its efforts to advancing policies that strengthen - rather than undermine - the ability of immigrants to support themselves and their families now and in the future.
CDF submitted comments to recommend that DHS and HHS withdraw their proposed rule without delay and commit their energy instead to ensuring robust, good-faith compliance with the Flores settlement agreement. CDF strongly believes that every child who comes into the custody of the federal government should be guaranteed the care, protection and services necessary to mitigate further trauma and promote healthy development, including access to their family.