Thursday, January 30, 2020

AAPI health advocates blast Supreme Court's 'public charge' ruling


The US Supreme Court’s decision Jan. 28 allowing the Trump administration to begin implementing the Department of Homeland Security’s revised public charge regulation continues to draw strong reactions from health agencies serving the AAPI communities.



The SCOTUS decision doesn't end the debate. Multiple cases challenging the rule continue in the lower courts. 

In a 5-4 decision along party lines, the Supreme Court temporarily lifted a nationwide injunction blocking the rule from taking effect. The rule threatens the health and wellbeing of Asian American and Pacific Islander immigrants and all families.


Three nationwide organizations released the following statements in response to the High Court's decision:

The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA):

“Decisions such as this continues to signal to the rest of the world that America is no longer a place that welcomes immigrants. Unfortunately, once again the highest court in our country has given the green light to government-sanctioned xenophobia. The public charge rule put forth by the Trump Administration ignores the plight of many Asian American and Pacific Islander families, and by forcing them to choose between receiving public assistance or their legal pathway, they face poverty, poor health, and uncertainty. NCAPA is disappointed in the decision and will continue to advocate for the American values that brought our communities here in the first place because that is what we all deserve.”

Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO), Executive Director, Jeffrey Caballero:

“AAPCHO and our member community health centers have already seen the chilling effects on our patients. They are foregoing essential services, disenrolling from benefits they are eligible for, or just not showing up to receive the care they need out of confusion and fear. No one should sacrifice their quality of life or put their loved one’s health in jeopardy out of fear of being separated from their families. AAPCHO condemns this rule and the immoral, unjust policies that discriminate against immigrants who contribute much to our country. AAPCHO will continue to work to ensure better access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistic care to prevent detrimental health outcomes. With our partners, we'll fight against the rule in the courts, in Congress, and at the ballot box.”

Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), Executive Vice President, Juliet K. Cho:

“We are disappointed that the Supreme Court is permitting the public charge rule to move forward. The public charge rule is antithetical to who we are as a country and targets, primarily, hard-working immigrant families of color. While the regulation directly impacts only a small number of people, the rule has already led to many families and individuals dis-enrolling from otherwise eligible health programs. Standing in solidarity with all of our partners, APIAHF will continue to organize community action against the Trump administration’s public charge rule and protect our immigrant families from unjust policies. 2020 is a critical election year, where every vote matters. It is important, more than ever, to empower our communities in exercising their right to vote for leaders who support the American values we believe in.”


RELATED: SCOTUS temporarily allows 'public charge' to take effect

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