Yesterday President Joe Biden directed federal agencies to begin a review of the public charge wealth test for immigrants implemented under the Trump administration. In response, Dr. Hernández issued the following statement:

“We commend President Joe Biden today for this important first step and continue to urge swift action to fully rescind the Department of Homeland Security’s public charge wealth test for immigrants. The change in decades-long immigration policy by the Trump administration was opposed by 250,000 organizations and individuals, including the California Health Care Foundation and nearly every health care organization in California, from hospitals to physicians to health plans. The Trump administration’s unnecessary change in policy has sown fear and confusion in immigrant communities and has deterred many immigrants from accessing needed health, food, and housing programs.

“The health of Americans is interconnected. As we fight the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health threats today and in the future, we absolutely need to have everybody in the tent. Right now, we especially need to reassure all Americans — including all immigrants — of the importance of seeking testing, treatment, and now vaccines to control the spread of the virus. We are gratified that the Biden administration has begun to turn the page. By fully rescinding the public charge wealth test, the administration will restore common sense immigration policies that value and protect all our communities.”

About the California Health Care Foundation