Ramirez Leads Resolution Recognizing the Role of Housing in Keeping Families Together

Washington, D.C. - This week, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) led 27 members of Congress to introduce H. Res 1198, a resolution recognizing that stable housing keeps families together. The resolution responds to the Trump Administration's proposed Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rule entitled "Housing and Community Development Act of 1980: Verification of Eligible Status." The rule would upend the long-standing policy that has allowed families with mixed immigration status to live together while eligible family members receive HUD housing assistance.

The resolution calls on the Secretary of HUD to withdraw the proposed rule and abide by section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 and the underlying congressional intent, which allows mixed-status families to receive federal housing assistance.

"At a time when housing instability is at an all-time high, the Trump administration's proposed rule is cruel and unfairly targets our immigrant communities. We know that stable housing, affordable rent, and accessible homeownership opportunities are part of the American dream. Yet, the Trump Administration would rather force citizens to choose between pursuing the American dream without their family or face eviction and homelessness together," said Congresswoman Ramirez. " I'm proud to introduce H. Res 1198 because every member of Congress should recognize that stable housing is a fundamental human right. Every family deserves to stay whole and housed."

"The National Housing Law Project celebrates and endorses Representative Ramirez's resolution, which recognizes that stable housing keeps families together. The Trump administration's attempts to bypass existing housing law and scapegoat immigrant families are illegal and cruel and will force people into an impossible choice between their family or their housing. Rep. Ramirez's resolution affirms current law and that mixed-status families are American families," said Shamus Roller, Executive Director at National Housing Law Project.

"83% of Americans support health and social services for lawfully present immigrants, like those targeted by the HUD proposal," said Adriana Cadena, Executive Director of the Protecting Immigrant Families coalition. "The American people want a government that meets the needs of its people, not one that forces the eviction of families with an out-of-control immigration policy. We applaud Congresswoman Ramirez and her colleagues for standing up for mixed-status immigrant families."

The resolution is sponsored by Representatives Dan Goldman (NY-10), Nanette Barragan(CA-44), Eleanor Holmes-Norton (DC), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Yvette Clarke(NY-09), Hank Johnson Jr, (GA-04), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Suzanne Bonamici, Jesus "Chuy" Garcia (IL-04), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Scott Peters (CA-50), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), André Carson (IN-07), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Dina Titus (NV-01), Al Green (TX-09), Christian Menefee (TX-18), and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07).

The resolution is endorsed by the National Housing Law Project (NHLP), Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), African Communities Together, Housing Action Illinois, National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), Palenque LSNA, and LUCHA

For the full legislative text, CLICK HERE.