For Immediate Release:
February 2, 2021
[Los Angeles, CA]
We are relieved to now have a federal administration that pursues humane immigration policy aligned with our country’s democratic ideals that embrace and welcome children and families in search of health, opportunity, dignity, and happiness.
Today’s executive actions from President Biden begin to unravel the harmful changes to the public charge rule that had punished low-income families and threatened the health and well-being of millions of children and their families, especially in California where one in two children have at least one immigrant parent. The Trump administration’s policies created a “chilling effect” that resulted in hundreds of thousands of US citizen children in California losing access to critical health, nutrition, housing and other supports that protect their basic human needs. Now, we can work together to ensure every family who calls this country home has the food, medical care, shelter and other basic needs to thrive.
These changes signal a new era of politics in our nation that centers the wellbeing of children and their families by pursuing policies that keep families together and children connected to the support and services they need to stay healthy. We look forward to working with partners, families, Congress, and the Biden administration to ensure we advance sound and compassionate immigration policies.