The County Welfare Directors Association (CWDA) of California released the following statement from Executive Director Cathy Senderling-McDonald today after the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to rule on Trump-administration changes to the “public charge” rule that could be used to deny individuals entry to the United States and withhold the granting of lawful permanent residence (i.e., “green cards”) to beneficiaries of certain public programs. 

The court’s action means a lower court’s ruling blocking implementation of the rule changes will stand; it comes after the Biden Administration declined to continue the Trump Administration’s appeal of the lower court ruling.

“The end of the cruel and racist ‘public charge’ rule changes is truly a reason to celebrate. This decision comes at a critical time, as the devastation of COVID-19 and brutal, widespread job losses make it more important than ever that all families in need can access nutrition, housing and health care.  

“CWDA applauds President Biden’s decision to place the previous administration’s anti-immigrant policy where it belongs – on the losing side of history.”