Moments ago, the United States Supreme Court ruled in a 5-to-4 vote that the Trump Administration could begin implementing a public charge rule to make it easier to deny immigrants access to the United States based on current or predicted future usage of public assistance programs. This ruling, which was split down ideological lines, effectively broadened the factors taken into account when applying for legal permanent status, treating the use of many public benefit programs like SNAP, public housing, Medicaid, and other programs as negative factors that could contribute to being denied legal permanent status.

Following today’s ruling, Erin Hemlin, Director of Health Policy and Advocacy for Young Invincibles, released the following statement:

“We are appalled at the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Trump administration’s public charge rule to take effect while it is being challenged in lower courts. The public charge rule is one of the most blatant efforts by this administration to limit legal immigration and it will have a devastating impact on low-income immigrants and immigrants of color.

This anti-immigrant policy is racist and classist. We’ve already seen the chilling effect that drove declines in Medicaid and SNAP enrollment, mainly among children. Today’s decision will mean less stability and safety and more fear and confusion for young families who depend on programs like Medicaid for life-saving care.”