Enforcing Public Charge Rule Endangers Public Health

September 30, 2020


Enforcing Public Charge
Rule Endangers Public Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020

Statement attributable to:
Gary L. LeRoy, MD
President
American Academy of Family Physicians

“The American Academy of Family Physicians is concerned that the Department of Homeland Security is moving forward with enforcement of the public charge rule amid a public health emergency and global pandemic. The revised public charge rule fundamentally alters our immigration process to be based on economic factors and financial needs instead of the merits of an individual’s request for legal status.

“Due to enforcement of this rule, patients may be less likely to seek needed health care which jeopardizes their own health and that of their community. Further, by not seeking care, patients are likely to experience more complex health challenges. This is especially dangerous during the COVID-19 public health crisis.

“The American Academy of Family Physicians again urges the administration and the Department of Homeland Security to rescind the public charge final rule and work with us to ensure broader access, improved quality and more affordable care to help build resilient communities with healthy families.”

Editor's Note: To arrange an interview with Dr. LeRoy, contact Megan Moriarty, 913-302-8627, or mmoriarty@aafp.org.

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About the American Academy of Family Physicians
The AAFP is the largest national association of family physicians, representing 124,500 physicians and medical students. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on impactful care for people of all ages, races and genders across all medical conditions. The AAFP supports every stage of a family physician's career and provides evidence-based resources, advocacy and community to empower family medicine. To learn more, visit aafp.org. For information about health care, medical conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s patient education website, familydoctor.org.