For many years politicians and other leaders have used money as a way to keep persons with disabilities second-class citizens. PCAs cost too much, ramps cost too much, accommodations at work cost too much. Recently the Trump administration has taken this a step further. They don’t want immigrants with disabilities to even come to the United States because they – wait for it – cost too much.

Trump’s people have come up with the “public charge” rule: a person will not be allowed to enter (or remain in) the United States if they are likely to use government benefits. If an immigration official thinks you or someone in your family looks like someone who might use Medicaid, or Medicare, Section 8 housing vouchers, food stamps, or other essential programs, you’re not getting in. And if you’re already here but not yet a citizen, using these programs could get you kicked out.

In her letter to the Department of Homeland Security contesting this proposed change, Stavros Systems Change Advocate Jennifer Lee wrote “Stavros believes the proposed rule would harm children with disabilities, reinforce negative stereotypes of persons with disabilities, and make it virtually impossible for disabled immigrants to enter the United States. … Forcing parents to [refrain] from accessing necessary medical treatment and services of their child or children is morally wrong and un-America: no parent should have to make such choices.”

People with disabilities aren’t burdens to society. Given the chance, they won’t just pursue happiness, as all Americans are supposed to be able to do: they’ll make this country better!

If you want to get involved, the best thing you can do right now is let your Congressional Representatives know why you oppose this rule.

You can find your Reps here by entering your zip code: https://whoismyrepresentative.com

If you’d like to read more about this rule, and the many groups working to oppose it as we do, you can find some great information below.