San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed today issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the federal government to implement the “Public Charge” rule, which allows the federal government to weigh an individual’s use of certain public benefits as a negative factor in evaluating an application for permanent residency and admission to the United States:

“President Trump’s ‘Public Charge’ rule is an abusive attack on our immigrant communities designed to make our most vulnerable residents choose between critical services or remaining in the United States. People should be able to access social services, like medical care and food assistance, without fear of discrimination or retaliation.

When the rule was first proposed, we spoke out against it and committed to supporting our immigrant communities as best as possible. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court’s decision today allows the federal government to move ahead with implementing this unconscionable policy. Although we can’t stop the federal government from moving ahead with the ‘public charge’ rule, we will keep doing whatever we can to support immigrants living in our City, and will continue providing critical services to our most vulnerable residents.”

###