Catholic Lobby Welcomes New DHS Public Charge Rule

For Immediate Release: September 9, 2022
Contact: Colleen Ross, cross@networklobby.org, 202-601-7877

Catholic Lobby Welcomes New DHS Public Charge Rule
Mary J. Novak: “We will continue to ensure our nation’s policies welcome, respect, and provide immigrant families with the support they need”

WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier this week, the Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule that provides clarity and consistency on how DHS will administer the public charge ground of inadmissibility. The rule, which goes into effect December 23rd, restores the understanding of ‘public charge’ that had been in place for decades, until the prior Administration began to consider supplemental public health benefits such as Medicaid and nutritional assistance as part of the public charge inadmissibility determination.

In response to the new rule, Mary J. Novak, Executive Director, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, said:

“We join our coalition partners in welcoming the new public charge rule, which restores and improves on the policy in place before the previous administration’s targeted attack on immigrant families. Together, we will continue to ensure our nation’s policies welcome, respect, and provide immigrant families with the support they need — support they were cruelly denied during a pandemic.”

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NETWORK – advocates for justice inspired by Catholic Sisters – educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. With a 50-year record of accomplishment and more than 100,000 supporters across the country, NETWORK lobbies for federal programs and policies that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org