A new federal housing policy proposal threatens to displace nearly 80,000 people across the United States, with many of those affected being children who are American citizens.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development is considering a regulation that would prohibit families containing any undocumented immigrants from residing in federally subsidized housing units. Currently, while undocumented immigrants cannot receive housing assistance directly, they are permitted to live with family members who qualify for and receive such aid.
This potential policy change could force families to make difficult choices between staying together and maintaining stable housing. The impact would be felt most severely by mixed-status families where some members have legal status while others do not.
Housing advocates warn that the rule could lead to widespread displacement and homelessness among vulnerable populations, particularly affecting children who are U.S. citizens but live with undocumented family members.
