WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the publication of the final public charge rule, which will limit the ability of legal immigrants to seek citizenship or long term permanent resident status (green cards).

NAPABA President Daniel Sakaguchi said: “The finalized public charge rule creates new and unwarranted obstacles for those who wish to legally immigrate to America or become citizens. Many Asian Pacific American families relied on public assistance to help establish their roots and success in the United States.

“This rule will keep those families and others that are low-income or limited English proficient from having a fair chance to become citizens or permanent residents. The United States thrives when diversity and immigration are celebrated. This rule runs counter to those values. We urge Congress and the Administration to reverse this decision before it takes effect.”

As stated in the comments that NAPABA submitted opposing the rule, NAPABA “is seriously concerned about the continued attacks on the immigrant population in the United States” and the harm the public charge rule will have on immigrant communities.

The rule is scheduled to go into effect on October 15, 2019.