The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently issued proposed regulations that could significantly impact low-income immigrants who want to become legal, permanent U.S. residents. Comments on these proposed regulations are due December 10. The regulations would expand the “public charge” test that is applied to individuals seeking admission to the United States. They also would affect those looking to change their status to legal permanent resident, or to extend or change their current nonimmigrant status.
Many are concerned that the proposed regulations will either directly or indirectly prevent otherwise eligible individuals from availing themselves of programs they are entitled to, including federal student aid. AACC has been following this issue and intends to file comments with the rest of the higher education community. Community colleges may wish to file their own comments as well. The Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education has assembled some valuable resources for colleges that wish to participate in this process, including talking points and a comments letter template.