The Trump administration just announced their intention to propose a harmful rule that, if implemented, would greatly limit children and families from accessing health care, nutrition, and housing. The measure’s sweeping changes will jeopardize our country’s economic future by targeting tax-paying, legal immigrant households with children.

This draft of the proposed rule would drastically change long-standing, bipartisan immigration policy determining eligibility for green cards and admission to the U.S.  As a result, families will be penalized for accessing critical programs for which they are eligible, such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and federal housing assistance. The consequences would be devastating to healthy child development.

“All children, regardless of where they were born, deserve equal access to health care, education, proper nutrition and the support they need to have a fair chance to succeed. When parents receive the health coverage and nutrition assistance they are eligible for, their kids and our nation benefit. This rule would take vital resources away from hard-working households with children,” said Bruce Lesley, president of First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy group.

“By design, this rule would have a devastating effect on the health, safety and well-being of our nation’s children,” said Lesley. “When all children succeed, we all benefit.”