Op-ed: Local governments need to join the fight against Trump’s cruel ‘public charge’ rule

BY DENNIS HERRERA & JILL HABIG SPECIAL TO THE SACRAMENTO BEE – The Administration’s public charge rule establishes new criteria that unlawfully forces residents to choose between support for their families and a path to citizenship. The rule creates negative immigration consequences for residents who use even small amounts of benefits to help support their families. There are currently several lawsuits challenging that rule. In October, three federal judges blocked the rule from taking effect for now. One of those cases is led by the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office and Santa Clara County Counsel’s Office on behalf of municipalities. We are supported by 29 local governments from Texas to the American heartland, organized by Public Rights Project. Eleven California localities, including Sacramento, have joined the coalition.Here’s why local governments are taking up this fight – and winning.