The Workers Circle Applauds Court Order Blocking Trump’s Public Charge Rule

The Workers Circle, a Jewish social justice non-profit that has advocated for immigrant rights for 120 years, applauds the pair of nationwide injunctions that prevent the federal government from implementing the Trump Administration’s devastating “public charge” rule, which expands the definition of who could be denied entry and permanent residence in the United States based on a person’s likelihood of using certain federal assistance programs like Medicaid and food stamps.

Ann Toback, Chief Executive Officer of the Workers Circle, issued the following statement:

“We applaud the decision of the Southern District Court in New York that halts the dangerous public charge policy, temporarily, as our nation continues to battle a deadly pandemic. This pause means immigrants can access the health care and social services they need for themselves and their families without fear, strengthening public health for all.

The Trump Administration has relentlessly and viciously pursued policies that jeopardize the health and safety of immigrant families, terrorizing immigrant communities across the nation for the last four years. The Administration’s expansion of the public charge rule has caused well-documented confusion among immigrants, impeding their access to critical services to which they are legally entitled. Thanks to the court’s decision, during the pandemic, immigrants will no longer have these benefits weaponized against them.

Still, this injunction only provides temporary respite. Our organization remains committed to a future in which the public charge rule is eliminated once and for all. America is better off when all immigrants, regardless of socioeconomic status, are welcomed for their myriad contributions to our economy and society. The Workers Circle will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with immigrant communities in the fight to remove the public charge language from the Immigration and Nationality Act for good.”

About the Workers Circle

Founded in 1900 and celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2020, the Workers Circle (formerly known as the Workmen’s Circle) is a social justice organization that powers progressive Jewish identity through Jewish cultural engagement, Yiddish language learning, multigenerational education, and social justice activism. For over a century we have provided this 360-degree approach to Jewish identity-building. Through contemporary cultural programs, strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, interactive educational experiences and more, we connect Jewish adults, kids and families of all affiliations with their cultural heritage, working to build a better and more beautiful world for all. Learn more at www.circle.org.