VAYLA Stood in Solidarity with AAPI Organizations to Say No to Public Charge

For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 13, 2019
Contact: Huong Nguyen, HuongNguyen@vayla-no.org, (504) 881-6233

VAYLA Stood in Solidarity with AAPI Organizations to Say No to Public Charge

Washington, DC – Wednesday, June 12th, 2019, AAPI communities met on the Hill to rally support and voice opposition against the proposed change to the Public Charge rule. AAPI organizations from across the country came together as a united voice in defense of our refugee and immigrant communities. “We’re speaking truth to power to say no to public charge and standing in solidarity with the One Nation Commision to protect our immigrant and refugee communities,” said the Executive Director of VAYLA New Orleans, Jacqueline Thanh.

The public charge test is used to determine if a person seeking admission to the United States or wanting to obtain Legal Permanent Residency (“green card”), while in the country, is likely to rely on government services for support. The test is based on a number of factors, including the use of public cash assistance. Under the current Administration’s proposed new definition, public charge determination would be expanded to include a number of additional government benefits, such as Medicaid, SNAP, Medicare Part D, and Section 8 housing assistance. As a result, the proposed change particularly impacts low-income Southeast Asian immigrant community members, their families, and their communities. This policy has far reaching ramifications as community members may feel the need to make the impossible decision of protecting their immigration status or getting the necessary assistance to ensure the survival of their families in the United States.

Learn more at: www.protectingimmigrantfamilies.org

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VAYLA New Orleans is a progressive multi-racial community-based organization in New Orleans that empowers youth and families through supportive services and organizing for cultural enrichment and positive social change.