To the editor:

On Oct. 10, 2018 the Trump administration published the proposed “public charge” rule for public comment. The comment period ends Monday, Dec. 10, 2018. The rule represents a radical shift in immigration policy that would terrorize immigrant communities and lead tax-paying immigrants who are in the U.S. legally to forgo health coverage, nutrition assistance and housing assistance that their families are eligible for and need.

The proposal could prevent immigrants from obtaining permanent residency if they access federal anti-poverty programs.

Because one in every four American children have at least one immigrant parent this could impact millions and would make us a sicker, poorer, hungrier nation. Taking away medical care and food from people who need it is wrong, no matter what.

Here are the top three actions you can take to help stop this proposed rule:

• Submit comments to the federal government in opposition to this proposed “public charge” rule by Dec. 10. A new website protecting immigrant families.org has an easy form letter you can make your own or sign and they forward it to Regulations.gov (where the proposed rule is formally posted).

• Educate your friends on the harms of the proposed rule and encourage them to submit comments. Check out the resources section of the Protecting Immigrant Families site.

• Spread the word on social media. Use the Protecting Immigrant Families coalition’s social media toolkit.

NANCY TAYLOR

Bainbridge Island