WIC shopper selects a container of juice from the shelf in a grocery store in North Charleston, SC | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
NEW YORK — The Asian American Federation (AAF) issued a press release this week warning that the federal government’s new Public Charge rule is already creating “heightened fear and confusion” among Asian New Yorkers, particularly immigrants from low‑income households and mixed‑status families. The organization said the rule, which expands the criteria immigration officials may use to determine whether an applicant is likely to become a “public charge,” is being widely misunderstood — and could deter thousands from accessing essential services.
“The rule may be limited in scope, but the fear it creates is unlimited,” said Jo‑Ann Yoo, Executive Director of the Asian American Federation, in the statement. “Asian immigrant families are already calling us in a panic, asking whether enrolling their children in food assistance or visiting a public clinic will jeopardize their future.”
Her comments reflect concerns echoed by dozens of community‑based organizations across the city.
The new Public Charge rule, finalized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), allows immigration officials to consider certain forms of public assistance — including long‑term institutional care and cash benefits — when evaluating green card applicants. While DHS clarified that programs like Medicaid (except for long‑term care), SNAP, WIC, and housing assistance do not count against applicants, AAF says misinformation is spreading faster than the facts.
Asian New Yorkers Disproportionately Affected
According to AAF, Asian immigrants are uniquely vulnerable because many rely on community health clinics, language‑access programs, and city‑funded benefits that are often confused with federal assistance. “We are seeing a chilling effect similar to what happened in 2019,” said Yoo, referencing the Trump‑era Public Charge rule that was later rescinded. “Even families who are fully eligible for benefits are withdrawing out of fear.”
AAF’s press release cites internal data showing that one in four Asian New Yorkers lives in a low‑income household, and many rely on safety‑net programs for food, healthcare, and housing stability. The organization warns that the new rule could push families to avoid services that are not even part of the Public Charge determination.
“People are afraid to go to the doctor,” said AAF Director of Policy Howard Shih, noting that confusion is highest among recent arrivals from China, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines. “We’ve already heard from parents who are considering pulling their U.S.‑born children out of Medicaid because they think it will affect their own immigration case. That is simply not true.”
The Federation emphasized that city‑funded programs — including NYC Care, emergency food assistance, and public schools — are not counted under the rule. But they say the fear is real, and the consequences could be severe.
Community Groups Brace for Increased Demand for Legal Guidance
AAF’s also highlighted the strain on community organizations that provide immigration legal services. “Our partners are overwhelmed,” said Yoo. “Every time a federal rule changes, even slightly, we see a surge in calls from families desperate for clarity.”
Legal experts quoted in the release stressed that the rule applies only to individuals applying for permanent residency through certain pathways — not refugees, asylees, survivors of trafficking, or those applying for citizenship. “The vast majority of Asian New Yorkers are not affected,” said AAF Immigration Policy Fellow Jenny Wang, “but the fear is affecting everyone.”
The organization urged the federal government to conduct multilingual outreach to prevent widespread misunderstanding. “We need clear, culturally competent communication,” Wang said. “Without it, families will continue to avoid essential services out of fear.”
City Leaders Respond; AAF Calls for Stronger Protections
New York City officials responded quickly to AAF’s warning. In a statement, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs reiterated that “New Yorkers should continue to use the benefits they are eligible for,” adding that the city would expand outreach in Chinese, Korean, Bengali, Tagalog, and other Asian languages.
AAF praised the city’s efforts but said more must be done. “We need federal clarity, not just local reassurance,” Yoo said. “The Public Charge rule has always been weaponized through confusion. The only antidote is transparency.”
The Federation also called for increased funding for legal services and community navigators who can help families understand the rule. “Information is the strongest protection we have,” Shih said. “Without it, fear wins.”
A Call for Calm — and Action
AAF’s press release ends with a message to Asian immigrant families: “Do not drop benefits without speaking to a trusted legal advisor.” The organization is urging New Yorkers to contact reputable legal service providers, attend community workshops, and rely on verified information rather than social media rumors.
“The Public Charge rule is complicated,” Yoo said, “but the truth is simple: most Asian New Yorkers are not affected. And everyone deserves access to healthcare, food, and stability.”
As the rule takes effect, AAF says it will continue to monitor its impact and advocate for policies that protect immigrant families. “Our community deserves safety,” Yoo said. “And safety begins with the truth.”
