AAP Statement on Public Charge Final Rule

By: Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP, president, American Academy of Pediatrics

“The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly opposes the final public charge rule announced today. This rule will exacerbate the pervasive fear and uncertainty among immigrant families, and lead to children – including those who are U.S. citizens – not receiving vital health services and supports they need and are eligible for. 

“In communities across the country, harmful policies and aggressive immigration enforcement actions have already led to a dangerous chilling effect on children and families who fear accessing needed health care and services. Today’s rule will compound this environment of fear, creating confusion for parents and families, causing them to forgo the health, nutrition and housing programs for which they are eligible. 

“When children miss out on the care and services designed to support them, their overall health and well-being suffers needlessly. Policies like this put children’s health at risk and make our communities less healthy. We urge the administration to withdraw this rule and instead craft policies that promote and strengthen – rather than undermine – the health and safety of immigrant children and families.”

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.