On July 9, 2019, the Public Interest Law Center submitted comments to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) about its proposed rule changes regarding “verification of eligible status,” which would deny public housing assistance to tens of thousands of eligible children and their families – including those in the Philadelphia area. This proposed rule change directly threatens the stability and unity of families as it seeks to deny all non-eligible persons access to safe and affordable housing. More specifically, those harmed by this proposed rule include low-income mixed-status immigrant families, communities of color, aging populations, survivors of gender-based violence, and children.

In the statement, we explained that this proposed rule not only directly contradicts congressional mandates, but also has the potential to harm the physical, emotional and mental well-being of thousands of individuals. It would harm the United States economy, and it would even violate international human rights law. HUD has an obligation under the Fair Housing Act to “affirmatively further fair housing;” however, this proposed rule does nothing but undermine already targeted communities. As stated in the comments, “For communities to thrive, families must be protected and preserved.” Any rule change proposed that threatens this is unlawful and unconstitutional.

Click here to read our full comment in opposition to HUD’s proposed rule changes.