NYC Health Department, NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, NYC Health + Hospitals, and NYC Department of Social Services Issue a Statement on the Federal Administration's Public Charge Proposed Rule

For Immediate Release: December 23, 2025

Contact: Shaina Torres, scoronel@cityhall.nyc.gov, pressoffice@health.nyc.gov

Statement affirms New York City's commitment to protecting the public services all New Yorkers have the right to, regardless of immigration status

NEW YORK – Today, the NYC Health Department, the NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), NYC Health + Hospitals, and NYC Department of Social Services issued a joint statement opposing the federal administration's recent attempt to further instill fear in immigrants who deserve access to lifesaving programs and services.

Immigrant New Yorkers are essential to the city's strength and future, and the city remains committed to serving every New Yorker, regardless of immigration status.

Read the statement below:

Under federal law, immigration officials can deny certain applications for lawful permanent residence ("green card") if they determine that the applicant is likely to become a "public charge." A new proposed rule seeks to rescind existing clear guidance that limits the use of this public charge test.

The federal government's proposed public charge rule would bring devastating consequences for immigrant New Yorkers. It would punish immigrants for using lifesaving programs and services such as Medicaid, public housing assistance, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), by putting their ability to obtain permanent immigration status at risk.

We strongly condemn this proposed public charge rule, especially as immigrants increasingly face challenges to their due process.

The proposed rule would eliminate existing guidance for federal immigration officials, giving them broad discretion to deny an immigrant the opportunity to adjust their status if they use public benefits.

By the federal government's own admission, this proposed rule will reduce access to public benefits, worsen health outcomes and continue an anti-immigrant agenda.

Immigrant New Yorkers are essential to the city's strength and future, and policies like this undermine the wellbeing of families who are vital to our communities and economy. All New Yorkers deserve access to health care, affordable food, and safe housing. We are monitoring the situation closely. We remain committed to serving every New Yorker, regardless of immigration or insurance status.

The City will continue to update New Yorkers as new developments unfold. If you have questions now, visit nyc.gov/publiccharge or call MOIA's Immigration Legal Hotline at 1-800-354-0365, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., to access timely and trusted information and connections to free and safe immigration legal help. We continue to encourage immigrant New Yorkers who believe they might be eligible for any public benefits to check if they qualify on nyc.gov/accesshra.

On Friday, December 19, New York City and NYC Health + Hospitals jointly submitted a formal written comment to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, expressing opposition to the proposed rule. The comment outlines the harms the rule would do to immigrant New Yorkers and their families, including many U.S. citizen children. This comment is publicly available at https://www.regulations.gov/comment/USCIS-2025-0304-4893

Michelle Morse, MD, MPH
Acting Health Commissioner
NYC Health Department

Manuel Castro, MPA
Commissioner
NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs

Mitchell Katz, MD
President and CEO
NYC Health + Hospitals

Molly Wasow Park, MPP
Commissioner
NYC Department of Social Services