Statement on the Trump Administration's Change to the Public Charge Rule
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley) released the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s proposed federal rule that would make it more difficult for current, legal immigrants to remain in the United States:
“This policy is equal parts cruel and senseless. Not only will this hurt tax-paying families, it will also have a hugely negative impact on the U.S. economy and on American citizens. In 2014, immigrants in this country earned $1.3 trillion and paid more than $223 billion in federal taxes while paying another $105 billion in combined state and local taxes. We are talking about people who are vital to the American economy, and it’s insane to threaten people who are legal, rule-following contributors to American communities. This proposed rule will hurt grocery stores, farmers and healthcare providers. Our American economy will suffer. It just doesn’t make any sense.
This is another example of how the Trump administration will gladly hurt American communities if it means demonizing legal residents for cheap political points. He’s willing to hurt people and small businesses if he can use it to stir up his base.
But we see through his typical, desperate strategy. Donald Trump is squeezing the middle class, raising health-care costs, and spreading corruption. Americans see very clearly that Trump’s policies and politics are hurting American families, and it must stop.”