March 10, 2021

(TRENTON) – Human Services Acting Commissioner Sarah Adelman released the following statement on the Biden-Harris Administration taking steps to repeal the Trump Administration’s 2019 Public Charge Rule:

“I applaud President Biden’s Administration for righting the wrong and taking steps to repeal the unfair and damaging 2019 Trump Public Charge Rule.

“For years our immigrant communities have been fearful and concerned about accessing critical services such as health care and food and housing assistance, worried it would impact their ability adjust their immigration status. This rule heightened that fear and had a chilling effect on efforts to provide New Jersey residents with the assistance they need. This was especially worrisome during the COVID-19 public health emergency that has significantly impacted people’s livelihoods and economic security, and it’s notable that many of our frontline essential workers are immigrants

“We commend the efforts led by advocates, local and state governments and communities that have fought to protect the health and well-being of our immigrant neighbors. No one should be fearful to access food, health care and housing assistance.

“Human Services’ Office of New Americans will closely monitor developments related to this announcement and will provide more information to advocates and residents as it becomes available. We are a big step closer to a stronger and fairer New Jersey for all.”