Hunger or Deportation: Implications of the Trump Administration's Proposed Public Charge Rule

Abstract

Until recently, lawfully present noncitizens participating in the US Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps) faced no immigration consequences. However, in September, 2018, the Trump Administration proposed a more expansive public charge rule in the Federal Register that would deny lawfully present noncitizens a path to citizenship if they had participated in certain federal safety net programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This perspective discusses the proposed rule's implications, particularly for those with professional interests in promoting effective nutrition education and healthy behavior through research, policy, and practice among individuals who will potentially be affected.

Keywords: SNAP; hunger; immigration; public charge.