Proposal
The Dept. of Homeland Security has proposed a new policy to address the mis-guided assertion that immigrants are a drain on our society and welfare system. It is a proposal - a recommendation - that the practices of Immigration and the State Department be tightened up. The recommendation is that the Officers should look more closely at a family’s financial history before making a determination on Permanent Residence. The government will have the power to look 3 years back into a family’s history, to determine if the applicant will become dependent upon welfare.
The government has to publish this proposed rule, and then, there is a 60 day comment period. After all of the written comments are turned in and considered, there will be a final rule published. This is going to take time. But, it is wise to begin planning. If you are a family who has used benefits in the past, it will be important for you to get the records together. If you are currently using public benefits, it is important to review your situation with an immigration attorney, to talk about the pros and cons of stopping benefits.
I do not believe that it is necessary for everyone who might want to immigrate to stop receipt of benefits for their children. Nor do I believe that this proposal should be ignored. I do believe that it is another brick in the Invisible Wall that is being constructed by this Administration. If you are concerned about U.S. citizen children losing their food stamps, or medical coverage, because of the trumped up fear caused by this Proposed change, it is important that you speak loudly and clearly to your Congressional offices. Particularly if you live in Congressmen Yoder, Graves, or Hartzler’s district. Call them and let them know that you believe the majority of immigrants do not seek help, and those who do, deserve the assistance, as they are paying into the system. Most of the immigrants I know would only seek benefits out of desperation or a real need for their children. Ask yourself and your Congressman, what kind of a Country do we want to be? I want an America that has a great safety net to help when people need it. That’s my proposal!
