Earlier this year, a draft of an Executive Order that would impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities was leaked. In response, the National Health Law Program is in the process of gathering stories from immigrants of any lawfully present status, including immigrants with citizen family members, who have been deterred from using critical non-cash government benefits – medical care (Medicaid), nutrition (WIC, SNAP) – because of the leaked Executive Order re: public charge. Examples of stories that have already been reported:
• Individuals afraid to seek or asking to be dis-enrolled from benefits (Medicaid, CHIP, WIC, SNAP) because of rumors specifically related to changes in public charge (in addition to generalized fears of immigration raids and crack downs on immigrants and immigrant communities).
• Caseworkers telling people that they or their families (e.g., sponsors) will owe money if they sign up for Medicaid, CHIP, WIC or other benefits.
• Individuals unsure if they should continue treatment even for serious illnesses.
• Individuals asking whether they should pay back for the services they have previously used.
• Women reluctant to seek prenatal care.
If you or someone you know has already been impacted or will be impacted by this, please contact Shira Wakschlag, director of legal advocacy and associate general counsel with The Arc, at wakschlag@thearc.org.
In response to this leaked Executive Order, The Arc released this statement. You can read an excerpt below:
“At The Arc, we believe people should have a fair opportunity to legally enter and reside in the United States and become a citizen, without restrictions based on disability. This includes those needing protection as refugees, asylees and victims of human trafficking.”
“Focusing on an individual’s need for support is a form of discrimination against people with disabilities we have seen before. But Congress, in the past, addressed the problem by ensuring that people with intellectual disability are provided accommodations as they try to enter our country legally, become citizens, and achieve the American dream like their peer without disabilities. Broadening the criteria for excluding or deporting immigrants based on need for support will harm people with disabilities and their families who have much to contribute to our society.”
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