The Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD), Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS), and Contra Costa Housing Authority continue to provide federally-funded benefit programs and services to community members despite a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposal to more broadly factor immigrants’ use of public programs into decisions related to lawful permanent status (also known as “green cards”).
DHS announced last month its proposed changes to “public charge” rules that could penalize immigrants who use certain government programs. The proposal was officially published in the Federal Register on October 10th, 2018.
The proposed changes are not yet final. The Federal Register publication sets off a 60-day period during which the public can submit comments and questions. Comments are due on or before December 10.
For more information, read the news release.