“The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (NJHSA) applauds the
Biden administration for its decision this week to permanently block the 2019 public charge rule. The Network also thanks the numerous community advocates and litigants who fought against this harmful regulation that
threatened the health, nutrition, and housing of millions of families. ”

The longstanding DHS “public charge inadmissibility test” affects people applying for admission to the country or for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. The 2019 rule expanded inadmissibility factors to include being low-income, having a disability or chronic health condition, or enrolling in programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP). The previous Administration’s changes to long-standing public charge policy caused fear among many immigrant families in seeking public assistance, leading them to forego critical health, nutrition, housing, and other public benefits.

As a network of human service provider agencies, bound by Jewish traditions to seek justice for all, NJHSA is proud to have joined community groups in voicing opposition to this rule on behalf of our clients and the broader community to ensure that all who are in need should be able to access critical supports without fear of prejudice or persecution.

Judy Halper, Board Chair

Reuben D. Rotman, President & CEO