A new rule proposed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is causing concern among immigrant communities and advocates. The rule, which mirrors an old proposal from the Trump administration, would force families with mixed immigration status to either leave their homes or be separated from their loved ones. This is a cruel and inhumane measure that goes against the very principles of the United States as a nation of immigrants.
The rule, titled “Housing and Community Development Act of 1980: Verification of Eligible Status,” aims to evict undocumented immigrants from public housing. It would require all members of a household to submit documentation proving their immigration status, and any household with one or more undocumented members would be denied housing assistance. This rule would affect an estimated 108,000 people, including 55,000 children who are US citizens or legal residents.
This is not a new idea. In 2019, the Trump administration proposed a similar rule that was met with widespread backlash and legal challenges. The current HUD proposal is essentially a rehash of that old proposal, but with the added cruelty of separating families. It is clear that the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant agenda is still alive and well, even after his presidency has ended.
The impact of this rule would be devastating for immigrant families. Many of them have been living in public housing for years, contributing to their communities and paying their rents on time. They have built their lives in these homes, and now they face the possibility of being thrown out and forced to find shelter elsewhere. For mixed-status families, this means being torn apart, with some members being forced to leave while others are allowed to stay.
The justification for this rule is that it would free up housing for US citizens and legal residents who are on waiting lists for public housing. But the reality is that evicting immigrant families will not solve the housing crisis in the US. It is estimated that there is a shortage of 7 million affordable and available rental homes for extremely low-income renters. This rule will only add to the problem by making thousands of people homeless.
Moreover, evicting immigrant families from public housing will not only harm them but also their communities. Many of these families have children who are US citizens and are entitled to live in public housing. By forcing them out, the government would be denying these children their right to a stable home, which can have long-term negative effects on their well-being and success.
This rule is also blatantly discriminatory. It targets immigrant families, who are already vulnerable and marginalized, and denies them access to a basic human need – housing. It goes against the core values of this country and the principles of fairness and equality. It is a cruel and inhumane way of treating our fellow human beings.
The proposed rule has faced strong opposition from immigrant rights advocates and politicians. In a letter to HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge, 28 US senators expressed their concerns and urged the department to withdraw the rule. They stated that it would “harm families with children and individuals with disabilities, and ultimately push families into homelessness.”
Fortunately, there is still time to stop this rule from being implemented. The HUD is currently accepting public comments on the proposal, and it is vital that we make our voices heard. We must speak out against this discriminatory and inhumane rule and demand that it be withdrawn.
As a nation, we must remember that immigrants are an essential part of our society. They contribute to our economy, culture, and diversity. They are our friends, neighbors, and coworkers. We cannot turn our backs on them and treat them as second-class citizens.
In conclusion, the proposed HUD rule to evict mixed-status families from public housing is a cruel and discriminatory measure that goes against our values as a nation. It will harm families, children, and communities and will not solve the housing crisis. We must stand together and demand that this rule be withdrawn, and instead, work towards creating a fair and just housing system for all. Let us show that we are a compassionate and welcoming country, where all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their immigration status.
