The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently issued a proposed rule that aims to ensure only eligible individuals are receiving benefits in certain affordable housing programs. It specifically targets “mixed-status families” – families with at least one citizen or qualified immigrant and at least one person who is not qualified for assistance.  

As a result of these changes, 20,000 mixed-status households currently receiving assistance will have to make the heartbreaking choice between enduring family separation so that eligible members can continue to qualify for critical subsidized housing programs or forfeiting their housing assistance, so they can stay together. These families include nearly 36,000 children who are eligible to receive assistance. The proposed rule also includes new documentation requirements for people already receiving housing assistance in these programs, including U.S. citizens and seniors. If an individual is unable to produce the newly required documents, they will lose their housing assistance. The influx of increased need derived from the impact of this proposed rule would put a strain on services for those experiencing homelessness and housing instability. The rule would have grave consequences for families, vulnerable communities, and the organizations that serve them.  

Tell HUD to withdraw the rule so that housing assistance will be preserved for mixed-status families. Submit Comments either via this form or online at: https://www.regulations.gov; Search for ID: HUD-2026-0199-0001; Click the [Comment Now] button on the right.

To learn more:  

• View a webinar from 2019 when a very similar rule was proposed.
• Read the 2019 backgrounder.