Action Alert: Oppose Changes to Immigration Policies that Discriminate Against People with Autism

ACTION ALERT Oppose Changes to Immigration Policies that Discriminate Against People with Autism November 30, 2018   Summary The U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a proposed change to the existing "public charge" policy that would be harmful to people with autism or other disabilities seeking to enter the country lawfully if they may need public services. It would also be harmful to people with autism already in the U.S. if they are trying to become a permanent resident. Under the existing public charge rule, individuals may be considered a public charge if they need cash benefits, like social security or TANF, or if they live or might live in an institution.  Under the proposed rule, officials would consider use of additional programs as qualifying an applicant as a public charge, such as Medicaid, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicare Part D, and Section 8 housing and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  In addition to benefits, the rule looks at a person's health to decide if they might become a public charge. The rule also looks at whether or not a person can get private health insurance to pay for the medical costs the government thinks they will have because of their chronic health condition or disability. If someone does not have health insurance, that counts against them. Because many important community services are only available through Medicaid and are not covered by private insurance, many people with disabilities may not pass this test.  The Department of Homeland Security is accepting comments on this proposed rule change until December 10. If the Department receives many comments, it will be hard to justify making the Rule final. Therefore, we need as many comments as possible to make the case that this proposed Rule should not go forward.  The Autism Society of America will be submitting comments but you can too. What You Can Do The Autism Society has made it easy for you to provide comments directly to the Department of Homeland Security.  The Action Center already has a pre-written, sample letter that commenters may edit to make it more personal.  Simply enter your contact information, edit the letter, and press submit! For more information, see the CCD Statement, on the proposed rule, CCD Fact Sheet, or the rule itself on regulations.gov.

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