LOS ANGELES – September 24, 2018 – Over the weekend, the Trump administration released a proposal to restrict the ability for lawfully present immigrants to obtain permanent residency if they’ve accessed public assistance programs. The proposed rule would expand the current definition of “public charge” to include nutrition, health care, and other vital services for which they are eligible.
“Clinics are a safe space for patients to seek help for a wide array of services. This rule would deter patients from accessing critical programs they are entitled to and have a chilling effect on our efforts to improve the health, well-being and economic security of our communities,” said Louise McCarthy, President and CEO of the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County (CCALAC).
“This rule would undermine the health, safety and well-being of immigrant families and our communities. It would also reverse the critical strides California has achieved in improving comprehensive, culturally competent and innovative care,” said McCarthy. “The rule has not yet gone into effect. CCALAC will work closely with our partners to fight this proposal, protect our immigrant communities and ensure that our patients remain able to safely access health care services and programs.”
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 65 members that operate over 350 clinic sites 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:
Elaiza Torralba, Communications Specialist, (213) 201-6529
Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County
700 S. Flower Street, Suite 3150, Los Angeles, CA 90017