HUD Requires Citizenship Proof for Public Housing Residents

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development published a new rule requiring residents of federally funded public housing to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. Scheduled to take effect on December 14, the measure ends a practice since 1995 that allowed mixed-status families to live together as long as subsidies only covered eligible members.

HUD Secretary Scott Turner defended the rule, citing a recent audit that found nearly 200,000 tenants with unverified eligibility status. Turner stated the measure prevents ineligible noncitizens from scamming the system and ensures that American taxpayers do not fund ineligible residents.

Opponents argue the rule will have severe humanitarian and economic consequences. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates the requirement could displace approximately 80,000 people, including 37,000 children, many of whom are U.S. citizens. Marie Claire Tran-Leung of the National Housing Law Project stated the policy is tearing apart families and sowing division.

A coalition of 22 state attorneys general has opposed the rule, claiming it will exacerbate the affordable housing crisis. These officials noted that states with high concentrations of mixed-status families, specifically California, New York, and Texas, will face the highest economic costs.