CCALAC applauds President Biden for taking swift action to begin overturning public charge. We are encouraged by today’s signed Executive Order, which officially begins the process of reviewing and eventually eliminating the harmful and unjust public charge rule implemented by the previous administration.
The public charge rule has created fear and reluctance for immigrants to access services, thus harming communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Immigrants, especially those serving as essential workers, must be able to access health care and other essential services to keep themselves, their families and their communities stay safe from COVID-19. During this unprecedented public health crisis, it is imperative to protect the health, safety, and well-being of communities hit hardest by the pandemic.
The President’s swift action would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of coalition partners like the National Immigration Law Center, the Protecting Immigrant Families campaign, the California Immigrant Policy Center, and other immigrant rights advocates.
CCALAC remains committed to working with our partners to combat the chilling effect of the public charge rule to ensure everyone is able to access the resources and services they need, during this pandemic and beyond.
THE COMMUNITY CLINIC ASSOCIATION OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY (CCALAC) is the largest regional association of community clinics and health centers in California. Founded in 1994, CCALAC has 64 members that serve nearly 1.7 million patients throughout LA County. CCALAC is dedicated to serving and representing the interests of its member clinics as providers of quality health care, including medical, dental and pharmacy services. For more information about CCALAC, visit www.ccalac.org or call (213) 201-6500.
Contact: Taryn Burks – Communications Specialist, (213) 201-6529.