The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has proposed a rule to limit public housing to citizens and eligible noncitizens.
The Associated Press reports the proposed rule, which was published today in the Federal Register, would require all residents in HUD-funded housing to show proof of citizenship or eligibility status. The proposed rule would prevent families with mixed eligibility status from being able to live in public housing.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, the days of illegal aliens, ineligibles, and fraudsters gaming the system and riding the coattails of American taxpayers are over,” HUD Secretary Scott Turner said in a statement. “HUD’s proposed rule will guarantee that all residents in HUD-funded housing are eligible tenants. We have zero tolerance for pushing aside hardworking U.S. citizens while enabling others to exploit decades-old loopholes.”
It is uncertain how many people would be impacted if the rule goes into effect. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a progressive think tank, estimated that up to 20,000 families or as many as 80,000 people could lose housing assistance if the eligibility for public housing changes.
“Everyone deserves an affordable home, including our neighbors, friends, and coworkers who are immigrants,” said Sonya Acosta, a senior policy analyst with the Center. “This rule would force 20,000 families with mixed immigration statuses to make the agonizing choice between losing the assistance that helps them pay rent every month or separating their family. People without a documented immigration status have never been eligible for rental assistance.”
