With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
LA officials fear Trump immigration proposal could prompt local families to drop public benefits
A Trump administration proposal could make it easier for officials to deny applications for permanent U.S. residency if immigrants receive public benefits such as health coverage, food stamps and housing help.
(
David McNew/Getty Images
)
Listen
1:02
LA officials fear Trump immigration proposal could prompt local families to drop public benefits
Local officials say they're worried immigrant families could drop out of public medical, food or housing programs even if the rule does not affect them.
A new Trump administration proposal seeks to greatly expand the list of public programs that, if immigrants participate in them, could allow officials to deny their application for permanent legal residency.
Local officials say they're worried immigrant families could drop out of public medical, food or housing programs and endure untreated illness or hunger, even if the rule does not affect them.
According to L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti's office, more than 900,000 immigrants in Los Angeles County receive Medicaid. More than 100,000 benefit from Cal-Fresh, the state’s version of food stamps.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
