Trump’s “Public Charge” Rule is Unethical - Period.
Contact: Jacquelyn Marrero, [email protected], 212-274-7337
For Immediate Release: Jan. 27, 2020 (Updated: Jan. 27, 2020, 5:39 p.m.)
New York - Today, the Supreme Court in a 5-4 vote allowed the Trump-Pence administration to enforce it’s dangerous “public charge” rule. The “public charge” rule blocks the pathway to citizenship for thousands of undocumented New Yorkers who struggle to make ends meet.
The immigration policy expands the government’s ability to deny people visas, green cards, and entry into the U.S. simply because they received public assistance. Legal immigrants are legally eligible for public benefits - including health care, nutrition assistance, and housing. This dangerous policy is designed to separate families and dissuade immigrants from accessing health care and meeting other basic needs.
Statement from Laura McQuade, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater New York:
It’s blatantly clear that we cannot solely rely on the courts to protect our fundamental human rights. The “public charge” rule is an unethical attack against undocumented people who struggle to feed their families, pay their rent, and meet their basic health care needs. No one should be punished for using public benefits that they are legally eligible to receive.
Today we saw what happens when Trump fills our courts with capricious judges and justices. In March, the Supreme Court will take on its first abortion case since President Trump's appointees — Kavanaugh and Gorsuch — took the bench. Make no mistake - abortion access is at risk like never before with our rights in their hands. Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will always welcome people who need access to quality sexual and reproductive health care regardless of their immigration status, ability to pay, or the future of Roe.
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Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY) is a leading provider, educator, and advocate of sexual and reproductive health care in New York State. PPGNY offers a wide range of services at its 30 locations across 65% of NYS - including gynecological care; birth control; cancer screenings; pregnancy testing; STI testing and treatment; HIV prevention, testing, and counseling; transgender hormone therapy; and vasectomy. PPGNY is also proud to provide abortion services to anyone who needs compassionate, non-judgmental care. PPGNY is a trusted source of medically-accurate, evidence-based information that allows people to make informed decisions about their health and future. As a voice for reproductive freedom, PPGNY supports legislation and policies that ensure all New Yorkers have access to the full range of reproductive health services and education.