A proposal by the Department of Homeland Security could make it more difficult for some immigrants to stay in the U.S. permanently by scrutinizing more closely whether they might become a “public charge” if they remain in the country and rejecting those who appear likely to do so.

By “public charge” the draft Homeland Security regulation refers to people who might depend or come to depend heavily on government assistance if they remain in the country.

If implemented, such a regulation might discourage immigrants from enrolling in government health care programs, which could endanger their health and make it more difficult for urban safety-net hospitals to serve their communities, many of which have large numbers of immigrants.  The regulation also might encourage some people to drop out of government programs that provide services they need.

NASH is concerned about the potential impact of this regulation on private safety-net hospitals and intends to submit formal comments about the proposal.  Comments are due by mid-December.

To learn more about the proposed regulation, see this Washington Post article or go here to see proposed regulation itself.