Monday, November 12, 2018

Families shouldn't be punished for accepting help when they need it

Oklahoma Policy Institute

Dear Friend,

The federal government is making fundamental changes to our legal immigration system, putting tens of thousands of Oklahomans at risk. On October 10th, the Department of Homeland Security proposed a change to the rules that we use to determine whether legal immigrants can become legal permanent residencts or citizens. Under current rules, if legal immigrants have participated in a very narrow range of public programs (like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) it will count against them when they apply for a Green Card to live here permanently or to become a citizen.

Under the proposed change, participation in a much larger range of programs - including SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program), Medicaid, prescription coverage through Medicare Part D, and housing assistance - will negatively affect the ability of legal immigrants to stay in the county.This rule would make it harder for families to put food on the table, get medical care when they need it, pay for prescription drugs, and find a safe place to live.

The proposed rule change will be available for public comment until December 10th. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard and share how this change could impact struggling Oklahoma families.

What You Can Do

  • Submit a public comment. Public comments can shape policy, and the deadline for public comments is December 10. For a quick and simple way to submit a comment, use this easy comment form. Scroll down the page for more information about how this proposed rule would affect access to education, health care, housing, and more. 
  • Tell your friends to submit a comment. Follow the Coalition for the Future of Oklahoma Families on Facebook and Twitter, and use the coalition's resources when talking to your friends, family, and organizations you belong to. 

Oklahoma families are counting on us. Please join us in standing with them. 

Thank you, 

David Blatt and the OK Policy Team 
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