Zenger Farm is strongly opposed the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed rule change to “public charge.” With the proposed change, the federal government can deny an individual or family entry into the U.S. or adjustment to legal permanent resident (LPR) status (i.e., a green card) if they are determined likely to become a public charge by accessing health, food, shelter or other social services.
The richness of Zenger Farm’s Outer East Portland neighborhood is rooted in the diversity of our immigrant communities. The proposed policy will devastate all our communities by making immigrant families afraid to access essential health, nutrition and shelter programs. Immigrant communities will now live in fear of seeking supports they need — regardless of whether they are actually subject to the “public charge” test.
These anti-immigrant measures betray our fundamental values. Just like the termination of DACA, the cruel family separation policy, and the Muslim ban, this proposed rule represents an attempt to close America’s doors to all but the highest bidder.
We stand by our immigrant communities and encourage you to take action by writing a public comment opposing this regulation. By federal law, all original comments must be read and taken into consideration, so please personalize your comment to maximize your impact.
