MAZON Statements

MAZON is proud to be an endorsing organization on H.R. 7052, a bill from Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) that would prevent federal funds from being used to implement the proposed rule change on the public charge law. The public charge proposal would require immigration officials — for the first time — to take non-cash basic needs benefits (including vital food benefits from SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) into consideration for citizenship qualifications for legal immigrants.

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) said of her bill: “Benefits like SNAP are proven at reducing poverty and improving future achievement, but now, Trump is trying to stigmatize the program—and others like it—so that immigrants will be afraid to use it. … I’m proud that so many of my colleagues have joined me to stop Trump’s attempt to weaponize federal policy in his hateful war on immigrants.”

Abby J. Leibman, MAZON’s President & CEO, today issued the following statement:

“MAZON is proud to be an endorsing organization on this important and timely bill from Representative Judy Chu. Those of us in the anti-hunger community are appalled at the cruelty of the public charge proposal, which will have a devastating impact on immigrant families.

“In fact, we are already seeing a chilling effect of families electing to forgo nutrition assistance to avoid jeopardizing their immigration status. We cannot understate the importance of SNAP, our nation’s most effective anti-hunger program.

“This latest effort from the administration to punish those seeking a better life in this country is unconscionable, and we applaud Rep. Chu’s response to this callous proposal.”