US citizens could lose housing aid over undocumented family members

A proposed rule change by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) could significantly impact families with mixed immigration statuses, potentially leading to the loss of housing assistance.

The current policy allows for prorated housing subsidies, meaning assistance is calculated based only on family members who meet citizenship or eligible immigration status requirements. However, the new proposal stipulates that all individuals residing in a household must possess U.S. citizenship or an eligible immigration status to continue receiving aid. This change could affect families where one member lacks legal status, forcing them to choose between removing the undocumented individual, forfeiting the subsidy, or relocating.

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If two members of a three-person family meet the requirements, the aid is reduced proportionally and does not cover the ineligible member.

Immigration attorney Alma Rosa Nieto explained that while the rule would not mandate deportation or force individuals to leave the U.S., affected families might have to remove non-eligible members from subsidized housing, give up the assistance altogether, or find new accommodations. Nieto recommends that families seek legal advice to understand their options and explore ways to remain in their homes without losing assistance. She also advised those who have recently regularized their status to update their information with HUD.

The Coalition for the Protection of Immigrant Families (PIF) has raised concerns, warning that the policy could displace not only undocumented immigrants but also individuals with permits and even U.S. citizens living with them. PIF noted that undocumented individuals are already ineligible for housing subsidies, and the current prorated system is a compromise. Specialists view the proposed change as a significant risk, particularly amid the ongoing affordable housing crisis.

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The policy would not, in itself, order a deportation nor would it oblige the person to leave the United States.