The NYC Health Department, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), NYC Health + Hospitals, and the Department of Social Services have issued a joint statement condemning a new federal “public charge” proposal.
They warn that the proposal would punish immigrant New Yorkers for using essential benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, and housing assistance, thereby undermining the city’s health and economic stability. The agencies stressed that New York City remains committed to serving all residents, regardless of immigration or insurance status, and urged immigrants to continue seeking eligible services while the proposal is under review.
The agencies announced unified opposition to the federal administration’s newly proposed changes to the public charge rule. The statement denounced the move as an attempt to “instill fear in immigrants” and deter them from accessing lifesaving programs and services.
Officials noted that under federal law, immigration officers can deny certain green card applications if an applicant is deemed likely to become a “public charge.” The new proposal seeks to roll back existing, clearer limits on how that test is applied. According to the statement, the proposed rule would have “devastating consequences” for immigrant New Yorkers by penalizing the use of programs like Medicaid, public housing assistance, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Leaders warned it would jeopardize lawful permanent residency for immigrants who rely on these supports, even when they are eligible under current law.
The agencies emphasized that the federal government itself acknowledges the proposal would reduce access to public benefits and worsen health outcomes, which they argue is part of a broader anti-immigrant agenda. The statement further criticized the proposal for eliminating existing guidance that currently limits immigration officers’ discretion in applying the public charge test. Without those guardrails, officials argue, officers would gain broad latitude to deny status adjustments based on an immigrant’s past or potential use of public benefits.
Advocates say this shift from clear regulations to a more discretionary framework would increase uncertainty, deepen fear in immigrant communities, and chill participation in essential programs. City leaders reaffirmed that immigrant New Yorkers are essential to the city’s “strength and future,” insisting that all residents deserve access to healthcare, affordable food, and safe housing. They stressed that the proposed changes are not yet in effect and that eligibility rules for city services and public benefits remain unchanged for now.
New Yorkers with questions are directed to visit nyc.gov/publiccharge or call MOIA’s Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 1-800-354-0365 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) for free, safe legal help and trusted information. Immigrants who believe they may qualify for benefits are encouraged to check eligibility at nyc.gov/accesshra.
The statement noted that on Friday, December 19, New York City and NYC Health + Hospitals jointly submitted a formal written comment to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services opposing the proposed rule. That filing details the expected harms to immigrant New Yorkers and their families—including many U.S.-citizen children—and is publicly available on Regulations.gov under comment ID USCIS-2025-0304-4893.
The joint statement is signed by Acting Health Commissioner Michelle Morse, MD, MPH; MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro, MPA; NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD; and Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park, MPP.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
