More than 900 Asian Americans pack an Oakland briefing on the new public charge rule

More than 900 people who speak at least nine Asian languages filled a room in Oakland, California, on Sept. 30 to learn whether a new federal public charge rule could affect them. The briefing was convened by Asian Health Services.

The message from leaders

Community leaders said the rule does not apply to every immigrant. They urged families to keep federal benefits that they and their children qualify for rather than drop out of fear.

What the rule does

The federal government began carrying out the rule on Sept. 18. It widens the ability of immigration officials to treat the use of means-tested public benefits as a reason to deny lawful permanent residency. Those benefits include Medicaid, the food aid program SNAP, cash help for needy families and housing support.

Fear already has an effect

Even before the rule takes full force thousands of Californians have left programs they are eligible for. Many immigrant parents have also dropped benefits for their U.S.-born children out of worry that it could put their own legal status at risk.

Leaders explained that public charge does not apply to green card holders who are applying to become citizens unless they have been out of the country for more than six months.

Support from City Hall

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee told the crowd it was democracy in action and said the city has a critical need for health equity. Organizers said they plan more language-specific sessions so families can get clear answers before making choices about their care.