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With the return of the Trump administration, uncertainty around immigration policies has once again heightened concerns for many families. Now more than ever, access to reliable information is critical for those seeking essential services. WithinReach remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that all families in Washington State, regardless of immigration status, have the information they need to make informed decisions about accessing vital programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). 

What Families Need to Know 

For many immigrant and mixed-status families—households where members have different immigration statuses, such as a U.S.-born child with a parent who is undocumented or a lawful permanent resident—one of the biggest concerns is whether receiving WIC benefits could impact their immigration status. In Washington State, immigration status does not affect eligibility for WIC, and the program does not collect immigration status information. Additionally, participating in WIC does not make an individual a public charge, meaning it will not impact their ability to become a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. 

To help alleviate concerns, the National WIC Association has developed a public charge fact sheet (updated December 2024) in English, Spanish, and Arabic. This resource provides clarity on how WIC participation interacts with public charge determinations and can be a helpful tool for families navigating these questions. 

Understanding the History and Impact of the Public Charge Rule 

The Public Charge rule has been a part of U.S. immigration law since 1882, allowing officials to deny legal permanent residency to applicants deemed likely to become a “public charge.” Historically, this term applied to individuals who had used cash assistance programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or had been institutionalized in a state facility. 

Under the Trump administration’s first term, the definition of public charge was expanded to include past use of non-cash benefits such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and housing assistance. More significantly, the rule also introduced new criteria allowing officials to deny green cards or visas based on an applicant’s potential future use of public benefits. Factors such as age, health, family status, education, and income were assessed to determine whether an individual was likely to rely on public assistance in the future. 

Even before this expanded rule officially took effect, reports of its potential implementation had a chilling effect on immigrant communities. Many families—including those with U.S.-born children eligible for benefits—began voluntarily disenrolling from essential programs out of fear that their participation could impact their ability to obtain legal status. 

During the Biden administration, the rule was struck down in federal court, and the government chose not to defend it, effectively ending its enforcement. However, despite the public charge rule no longer being in effect under the previous administration, misinformation and fear persist, continuing to deter eligible families from seeking the help they need. With the Trump administration now back in office, it remains unclear whether changes to public charge policy will be revisited. 

The Policy Landscape: Barriers to Access for Immigrant Families 

For many immigrant and mixed-status families, the fear of how public benefits might impact their immigration status has long been a deterrent to seeking essential services. While WIC eligibility remains unchanged and does not factor into public charge determinations, the chilling effect of misinformation persists. Now, with the return of the Trump administration, families are once again bracing for potential policy shifts that could create new uncertainties around public benefits. 

At the same time, proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP pose an additional threat to families who rely on these interconnected programs. Many families qualify for WIC automatically through their enrollment in SNAP or Medicaid—meaning that any reductions to these programs could create significant barriers to accessing nutrition support. The National WIC Association warns that eliminating Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) in SNAP could push more than 3 million people off the program, including hundreds of thousands of young children who would consequently lose their automatic pathway to WIC. Similarly, restrictions on Medicaid would create new administrative burdens, requiring families to submit additional income documentation to qualify for WIC—an extra step that could discourage participation and delay access to critical nutrition support. 

Together, these factors create a precarious landscape, particularly for immigrant families already navigating fears around public benefits. Potential changes to public charge policy and cuts to essential programs put decades of progress at risk, making it harder for all families—regardless of immigration status—to access the nutrition and healthcare they need to thrive. 

“For over two decades, I’ve dedicated my career to making sure families can access the resources they need to build a strong foundation for their children’s health,” says Within Reach’s CEO, Sharon Silver. “WIC is one of the most effective programs we have for improving maternal and child health, and it’s painful to hear that immigrant families are hesitant to enroll due to fear and misinformation. Having started my career in WIC nutrition, I know how critical it is to ensure every eligible family feels safe accessing these life-changing benefits. At WithinReach, we are committed to breaking down barriers and providing clear, reliable information so all families can get the support they deserve.” 

Navigating a Shifting Landscape 

While national WIC guidelines provide some reassurance, it is important to acknowledge that immigration policies and enforcement can change rapidly. Experts in supporting immigrant and refugee families emphasize the need to be cautious about making definitive guarantees regarding the privacy of information shared with service providers. Given the unpredictability of policy shifts, families and providers should stay informed by checking trusted sources for the most current guidance. 

WithinReach remains dedicated to advocating for equitable access to essential services, and we encourage providers, families and community partners to stay connected for the latest updates and resources.