Contact:
María Ponce, maria.ponce@seiu.org, 202-394-2139

Issued October 11, 2019

SEIU’s Sáenz: Today’s public charge ruling preserves the dignity and respect that all families deserve

WASHINGTON—SEIU Executive Vice President Rocio Sáenz issued the following statement after federal courts today issued a nationwide order blocking the implementation of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) public charge rule:

“Today’s decision to block president Trump’s discriminatory public charge rule from taking effect on October 15, 2019 is a victory for all families.  President Trump’s hateful and cruel rule would have forced families to choose between feeding their children and a secure future in America. Judge Daniels of New York stated that the rule “is repugnant to the American Dream of the opportunity for prosperity and success through hard work and upward mobility.” We couldn’t agree more. 

“This victory means that children and their families can and should continue to get the nutrition they need to develop into healthy adults, visit the doctor when they are sick and access vital services they need to continue to thrive in this country. 

"Our fight is not over. We will remain vigilant against the relentless attacks against working families and continue to use the strength in a union to fight for policies that put working people and families first, regardless of where we come from or the color of our skin."