Over the past two years, families and immigration advocates have been trying to untangle and understand changes to public charge policies that expansively broaden the public benefits considered in “public charge” determinations, and create more stringent wealth and income requirements. As a consequence of these changes to public charge policies, families have disenrolled from public benefits, and others have delayed applying for immigration relief.

The Trump administration purposefully designed the new public charges to be confusing, complicated, and scary, but advocates and families must fight the fear and confusion with facts. Everyone has rights in this country, especially in the state of California, no matter their immigration status, to access health care and certain types of public benefits. Moreover, courts have delayed implementation of some public charge policies, and thus, some of the more recent changes have not gone into effect and do not affect families currently applying for immigration relief.

The purpose of this training is to provide community advocates and organizations with the tools to be able to informally share helpful and accurate information about public charge policies. By informing ourselves, we can not only untangle the mess of public charge policies, but also dispel rumours, misconceptions, and fears among our community.

FUEL/CRLAF Public Charge "Train the Trainers" Training includes:

I) Explanations of the various laws, departments, and regulations relevant to public charge.

II) Updates on ongoing litigation regarding public charge policies.

III) Basic legal information that community advocates and organizations can share with families concerned about public charge.

Upon completion of this training, you will receive copies of informational handouts regarding public charge to share with families. For more information on how to request a presentation or training, please contact info@sacfuelnetwork.org (916) 234-3734.