“The District Court’s decision to halt the implementation of the Public Charge Rule nationwide for the duration of the COVID-19 national health emergency brings relief. The Court rightly recognized how severely the Rule continues to harm immigrant communities—many of whom are working on the frontlines of this public health crisis—and hinders our efforts to address the devastating health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is a matter of life or death that all New Yorkers in need of medical care, food assistance, and other benefits and services seek and receive the help they need without fear.
As the Court noted, no one should suffer punishment or penalty if they seek medical care or temporary financial aid as a result of the pandemic’s impact. New York City is proud to have joined Attorney General James in protecting immigrant communities from this cruel policy.
New York City residents who have questions about the public charge and how accessing certain public benefits may affect immigration status can call the ActionNYC hotline at 1-800-354-0365 to connect with free, safe immigration legal help,” stated NYC Immigration Affairs Commissioner Bitta Mostofi.
The NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) promotes the well-being of NYC’s immigrant communities by advocating for policies that increase justice, equity, and empowerment. MOIA leads, supports, and manages programs that help to successfully include immigrant New Yorkers into the civic, economic, and cultural life of the City.
For more information on all MOIA services and the City’s many resources for immigrant New Yorkers, go to nyc.gov/immigrants; call the MOIA hotline at 212-788-7654 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday or send an email to AskMOIA@cityhall.nyc.gov
Photo credit: Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Bitta Mostofi offered testimony.
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