The Workers Circle Applauds Biden Administration Action On Critical Immigration Regulation
September 12, 2022
Contact: Lynsey Billet, lynsey@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-8449
The Biden Administration has made a major step forward in securing access to health and social services safety net protections for immigrant families. The new “public charge” regulation finalized on September 8 by the US Department of Homeland Security undoes the dangerous and inhumane Trump era public charge policy which had a chilling effect on the health and well-being of millions of immigrant families, causing widespread suffering. Ann Toback, CEO of the Workers Circle, issued the following statement in response:
“As an active member of the Protecting Immigrant Families coalition (PIF), Workers Circle fought hard for the reversal of the Trump policy and successfully urged the Biden Administration to make further improvements. This is a major win for immigrant families. The new regulation clarifies what is and what is not considered a public charge determination and provides assurances that eligible immigrant families can access health care, nutrition, and housing programs without fear of jeopardizing their immigration process.
In the 1930s the public charge provision in US immigration law was used to keep out Jews and others fleeing Nazi terror in Europe–a tragic fact that further animates the Workers Circle’s activism on this issue. Throughout its long history, this provision disproportionately discriminated against low-income people of color. We will continue to fight hard until this racist wealth test is completely eliminated from the law. We call on Congress to end public charge and other barriers to health and social services safety net programs for immigrant families.”
About the Workers Circle
Founded 122 years ago, the Workers Circle (formerly known as the Workmen’s Circle) is a social justice organization that powers progressive Jewish identity through Jewish cultural engagement, Yiddish language learning, multigenerational education, and social justice activism. For over a century we have provided this 360-degree approach to Jewish identity-building. Through contemporary cultural programs, strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, interactive educational experiences and more, we connect Jewish adults, kids and families of all affiliations with their cultural heritage, working to build a better and more beautiful world for all. Learn more at www.circle.org.