Immigrants, fearing Trump crackdown, drop out of nutrition programs
Immigrants, fearing Trump crackdown, drop out of nutrition programs
Both documented and undocumented immigrants fear that accepting federal aid could make them ineligible for a green card if rules are changed.
By HELENA BOTTEMILLER EVICH
09/03/2018 08:17 AM EDT
Immigrants are turning down government help to buy infant formula and healthy food for their young children because theyre afraid the Trump administration could bar them from getting a green card if they take federal aid.
Local health providers say theyve received panicked phone calls from both documented and undocumented immigrant families demanding to be dropped from the rolls of WIC, a federal nutrition program aimed at pregnant women and children, after news reports that the White House is potentially planning to deny legal status to immigrants whove used public benefits. Agencies in at least 18 states say theyve seen drops of up to 20 percent in enrollment, and they attribute the change largely to fears about the immigration policy.
The Trump administration hasnt officially put the policy in place yet, but even without a formal rule, families are already being scared away from using services, health providers say.
Its a stealth regulation, said Kathleen Campbell Walker, an immigration attorney at Dickinson Wright in El Paso, Texas. It doesnt really exist, but its being applied subliminally.
Health advocates say the policy change could put more babies who are U.S.-born citizens at risk of low birth weight and other problems undermining public health while also potentially fueling higher health care costs at taxpayer expense. WIC formally the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children serves about half of all babies born in the U.S by providing vouchers or benefit cards so pregnant women and families with small children can buy staple foods and infant formula. The program is also designed to support women who are breastfeeding.
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https://www.politico.com/story/2018/09/03/immigrants-nutrition-food-trump-crackdown-806292