Federal Proposal Would Ban Undocumented People from Public Housing. What Would the Impact Be in NYC?

"The rule would 'require the verification of U.S. citizenship or the eligible immigration status of all applicants and recipients of assistance under a covered program regardless of age'—what advocates say would impact thousands of New York City families who use Section 8 vouchers, or live in public housing at The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)."

"Housing subsidies only cover the household members who are eligible, meaning mixed-status families pay a higher rent—also known as a prorated assistance—that takes any ineligible tenants into account. But HUD called the current policy a 'loophole' the federal government wants to close."

"Mixed Status families are already paying their fair share and are receiving prorated benefits under strict eligibility requirements. This is a cruel and inhumane policy that seeks to force families into the impossible choice between family separation and homelessness. It is designed to terrorize immigrant communities, plain and simple."

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a rule requiring verification of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status for all household members in federally subsidized housing programs. Currently, mixed-status families receive prorated assistance covering only eligible members while paying higher rent for ineligible family members. HUD characterizes this arrangement as a loophole requiring closure. The proposed rule would eliminate this option, forcing mixed-status families to choose between family separation and homelessness. Advocates argue the policy is cruel and inhumane, targeting approximately 3,000 NYC households using Section 8 vouchers or living in NYCHA public housing. This represents a continuation of immigration enforcement priorities from the Trump administration.

Read at City Limits