The Trump Administration has launched another cruel assault on children and families.

This time, it’s the “public charge” rule — a proposed policy that would threaten to reject anyone applying for Legal Permanent Residence or a visa if their family uses nearly any public benefit. That includes hundreds of thousands of hard-working and tax-paying legal immigrants already living here in Los Angeles, who could be at risk just for trying to access essential services like health care, housing assistance, and food aid.

The public charge rule is unacceptable. No family should be attacked because of who they are, where they’re from or how much money they have.

America is about giving everyone a chance to lift themselves up, take care of their families, and chase their dreams — and our government should never be in the business of punishing people who may need a little help making sure their kids are safe, fed, and have a roof over their heads. Creating fear and targeting legal immigrants who follow the rules does nothing to increase our security or strengthen our economy — it is nothing less than a public disgrace.

Today, I joined Supervisor Hilda Solis and a coalition of children and health advocates to send a strong message to Washington that we won’t stand for this. And we’re taking action.

The Administration’s public comment period is now open and I’m sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security about how the public charge rule would hurt our city and tear families apart.

I also launched a website with more information about this proposed policy and details on how you can make your voice heard.

Go to LAMayor.org/StrongFamiliesLA to learn more.

Eric Garcetti
Your Mayor