Prohibiting “Mixed-Status” Families from Being Able to Live Together is Cruel and Unnecessary

LOS ANGELES – May 17, 2019 – For years the federal government has allowed “mixed-status” families that include members who are eligible and others who are ineligible for housing assistance based on their immigration status to live together in subsidized housing. The subsidy for such households is prorated to exclude the ineligible family members from the assistance. In Los Angeles approximately one third of the city’s 21,000 public housing residents would be affected by this, including 7,500 children, most of whom are citizens.

Last week HUD issued proposed regulations that would require mixed status families to leave assisted housing or ask the ineligible family member to leave.

The proposal presents a serious threat to families participating in the County’s subsidized housing programs. The implementation of this rule will absolutely lead to the homelessness of individuals and families who are currently members of mixed-status households.

Antonia Hernández, President and CEO of the California Community Foundation issued the following statement:

“This proposed rule is cruel and does nothing to alleviate the affordable housing crisis. The administration’s proposal would tear apart vulnerable families and force thousands of citizens and eligible immigrants to consider a heart-wrenching choice: keep their home or separate their family. What is a home without a family? Where is our moral compass? Our region is already struggling to combat our housing crisis and the unrelenting attacks on our immigrant families – be it housing, healthcare or education.  We know how critical a stable home is to a young person’s future. And it should go without saying that these children and their families will drive the future of Los Angeles County.

We stand united to continue supporting immigrant efforts during these challenging times. While this proposed rule would be a setback, we will continue to support our community partners and leaders in their committed efforts to achieve a just and practical immigration system that upholds the dignity of all communities and families.”

Learn more about HUD’s proposed rule and what you can do to at keep-families-together.org