New Trump Rule Threatens Immigrant Families With Separation or Homelessness

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development has published a final rule that could end federal housing assistance for families if any member is ineligible because of their immigration status. Set to take effect in mid-December, the change could force families to choose between separating so eligible members can remain housed or staying together and risking eviction and homelessness.

An estimated 80,000 people could be affected, including nearly 37,000 children, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Current rules allow eligible members of mixed-status families to receive reduced assistance, while the new rule would disqualify the whole family after a temporary grace period. It would also require US citizens to have their eligibility checked through the SAVE system, raising concerns about verification errors; housing experts say the change could also increase costs for HUD and add documentation burdens for people receiving assistance.