There is a strong belief among people in many different degrees of wealth that those who are poor are not self-sufficient, not responsible, and that is why they are poor. This is among the most condescending statements a person can offer. With so few dimes to rub together, chances are that low-income people are far better managers. With so little cash, people have no alternative but to be careful. Those with wealth have backup systems.
The White House just released its controversial “public charge” rule. It was the administration’s latest attempt to limit immigrants from entering the country. The White House has basically divided immigrants into two streams. The first has personal wealth, advanced degrees, and/or a job waiting for them at Silicon Valley or a like location. The second stream of immigrants may come from draught, violence-ridden, or poverty-laden areas. They may have health issues, lack health insurance, or have another reason for using U.S. social services. These people are far less likely to gain a green card.
The new rule will go into effect in 60 days.
Acting Director of the U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services Ken Cuccinelli spoke briefly at the White House. He claimed that the president’s rule would assist in promoting “self-reliance” among the immigrants, The Newsweek magazine reported.
‘Throughout history, self-reliance has been a core principle in America…Through the public charge rule, President Trump’s administration is enforcing the ideals of self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.’
The Urban Institute released a statement on its findings:
‘While the proposed rule does not affect noncitizens who are already permanent residents, we still find that 14.7 percent of adults in families in which all noncitizens are also permanent residents reported not participating in a noncash benefit program.’
Last October, there were 22 Democratic senators who signed a letter to the Homeland Security Department. It warned:
‘…frightening people away from critical resources will compromise families and communities across our country. The nutrition, health and stability that impacted services provide have been repeatedly shown to help children succeed… If this rule goes into effect, hardworking families would try to make ends meet with less—hurting children—for no other reason than to advance this administration’s anti-immigrant agenda.’
Caseworkers will determine whether immigrants would need:
‘…government benefits, including housing, Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to determine whether they will be a “burden” on the country.’
A new study said that the rule change brought about “a chilling effect” on immigrant families living in America. It found one in seven adults in an immigrant household decided to skip government program benefits for fear it would be “risking future green card status.’
Cuccinelli said:
‘We certainly expect people of any income to be able to stand on their own two feet. If people are not able to be self-sufficient, then this negative factor is going to bear very heavily against them in a decision about whether they’ll be able to become a legal permanent resident.’
The rate of being rejected from the green card or visa applications was higher in low-income homes, one in five.
Cuccinelli continued:
‘A poor person can be prepared to be self-sufficient. Many have been through the history of this country. Let’s not look at that as the be all and end all, it’s not the deciding factor. Which is why we continue to use the totality of circumstances test.’
The Mueller Report Adventures: In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page. These quick, two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people. Mueller Bite-Sizes uncovers what is essentially a compelling spy mystery. Interestingly enough, Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any order.
