On Tuesday, October 16th 2018, at 4:30 PM, Ceiba and Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) will organize a Public Charge Information Session. The event will take place at Esperanza College, located at 4561 N. 5th St. Philadelphia PA 19140.
Under longstanding policy, the federal government can deny an individual a “green card” or a visa if they believe the individual will become a “public charge.” A “public charge” is someone who primarily relies on the government for subsistence. On September 22, the Trump Administration announced a proposed rule that would expand the criteria for being considered a public charge, including receiving benefits such as:
Medicaid
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Medicare Part-D Low Income Subsidy Program
Housing assistance
At the session, EILS and Ceiba will partner with Community Legal Services (CLS) to share information about the proposed rule.
“It is imperative that the immigrant community understand the meaning of these proposed changes to the “public charge” rule, so that they continue receiving benefits for which they qualify,” said Alexis Duecker, Executive Director of Esperanza Immigration Legal Services. The changes, if made permanent, would likely lead to broad decreases in participation of Medicaid and other programs among immigrant families and their US born children.
“The proposed rule, if implemented, would unfairly punish immigrant families and US born children who lawfully receive public benefits,” expressed Diego Tapia, Ceiba Program Director.
Ceiba and EILS will provide information at the session about what the public can do to prevent the implementation of the rule.
At the information session, Ceiba and EILS will also provide information regarding financial assistance to pay for the cost of applying for immigration relief.
For more information, call 215-324-0746.