The Los Angeles LGBT Center issued a statement condemning the Trump Administration’s revised Public Charge rule against immigrants. The Public Charge Ground rule expands immigration officials’ abilities to deny entry or green cards to certain immigrants based on income, health conditions, and their use of public programs such as food stamps and Medicaid.
Center CEO Lorri L. Jean issued the following statement:
“The Los Angeles LGBT Center condemns and opposes the Trump administration’s announcement of a ‘public charge’ policy that establishes what is essentially a wealth and health test for immigrants applying for Legal Permanent Residence. This policy creates intentional confusion among immigrant communities seeking life-saving health care, as well as public services such as Medicaid, food stamps, and Section 8 housing.
“The measure targets low-to-middle income, predominantly non-white, nationals and seeks to frighten immigrants even if they do qualify for services. This action joins a series of xenophobic measures by the Trump administration and comes in the wake of the El Paso mass shooting that explicitly targeted Latinos. The Center stands ready to support the immigrant community as we all seek to understand the impact of this new law. Moreover, we continue to be fully committed to providing LGBT individuals, and those living with HIV, with the care and support they need.”
We encourage LGBT immigrant community members to learn more about how this rule applies to their specific situations, including which immigrants are impacted and what services are implicated, by checking here and here or contact your care team at the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
ABOUT LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed and celebrated LGBT individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond since 1969. Today the Center’s nearly 700 employees provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world, offering programs, services and global advocacy that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership and Advocacy. We are an unstoppable force in the fight against bigotry and the struggle to build a better world; a world in which LGBT people can be healthy, equal and complete members of society. Learn more at lalgbtcenter.org.
