Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Letter to the editor:

DHS targets immigrants

On Sept. 22, the Department of Homeland Security proposed to change a law that has worked for over 100 years — the public charge. This proposed change will expand what determines someone a public charge, which is defined as someone who is likely to need public assistance. It will lead many immigrant families to choose between keeping their families together or seeking access to health care, nutrition and housing programs for qualified family members. The changes are an attack on immigrant communities and will negatively affect all Nevadans in no time.

Studies show a 10 percent decrease in people applying for services they can receive, which means hospitals are losing money, and communities are unhealthy. And it is estimated that nearly 300,000 Nevadans will be affected directly and many more may avoid using services they need due to fear and misinformation.

For example, if you are a single mother of three and qualify for health care but are not applying for it because you could be deported or separated from your family, then everyone will suffer the consequences.

You can do something today, though. Public comments on the public charge rule are being accepted until Monday. To submit your unique comment, visit bit.ly/submitcomment 

Alicia Briancon is communications director for PLAN Action, Las Vegas