The US Department of Housing and Urban Development finalized a controversial rule on Tuesday requiring citizenship checks for families receiving housing assistance, a move that could force tens of thousands of people to move. This provision is known as the “mixed status family rule.” The new regulations require that all persons applying for housing projects, regardless of age, must undergo a citizenship or immigration status check. Furthermore, until the identity of all family members has been verified, the family will only receive temporary prorated housing assistance. HUD Secretary Scott Turner said in a statement: “It's unacceptable that America's homeless veterans, the disabled, the elderly, and victims of domestic violence are struggling on waiting lists while illegal immigrants and ineligible people are scamming our system's resources. American taxpayers will no longer pay for it. Promises have been made; promises have been fulfilled.” According to previous regulations, families can receive rent assistance in proportion to the number of citizens or eligible immigrants in the family. However, current legislation does not allow undocumented immigrants to receive housing assistance.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development finalized a controversial rule on Tuesday requiring citizenship checks for families receiving housing assistance, a move that could force tens of thousands of people to move. This provision is known as the “mixed status family rule.” The new regulations require that all persons applying for housing projects, regardless of age, must undergo a citizenship or immigration status check. Furthermore, until the identity of all family members has been verified, the family will only receive temporary prorated housing assistance. HUD Secretary Scott Turner said in a statement: “It's unacceptable that America's homeless veterans, the disabled, the elderly, and victims of domestic violence are struggling on waiting lists while illegal immigrants and ineligible people are scamming our system's resources. American taxpayers will no longer pay for it. Promises have been made; promises have been fulfilled.” According to previous regulations, families can receive rent assistance in proportion to the number of citizens or eligible immigrants in the family. However, current legislation does not allow undocumented immigrants to receive housing assistance.