Schools safe from new federal immigration regulation

Schools and school nutrition programs remain unaffected by recent changes to a federal regulation, known as the “Public Charge” rule, regarding an individual’s immigration status, according to a September 16, 2019 announcement from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
The National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Seamless Summer Option, Afterschool Meal Supplement, Special Milk Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program are not considered public benefits that could impact an individual’s immigration status.
The “Public Charge” rule, which goes into effect in mid-October, penalizes immigrants who receive certain public benefits, according to the CDE press release. Public education is not a public benefit covered by the rule.
Resources are available at the California Immigrant Guide web page at https://immigrantguide.ca.gov/en/publiccharge/. Additional resources and information that you may use to communicate with families in your district are available on the California Department of Education’s Safe Havens Initiative web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/eo/in/safehavens.asp.

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