The COVID-19 crisis heightened the consequences of policies that have systemically excluded or deterred immigrant families from participating in safety net programs, posing risks for community well-being, public health, and economic recovery. Recent pandemic relief bills have expanded eligibility for some aid, and the Biden administration has halted expansion of the public charge rule, but immigrant families continue facing formal and informal barriers to accessing the complex US safety net. 

Join Sarah Rosen Wartell, president of the Urban Institute, for the next installment in Urban’s conversation series, Evidence to Action. During this virtual event, Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA), who represents California’s 27th district, will discuss immigrants’ inclusion in and connection to the safety net. Following that, Hamutal Bernstein, principal research associate at the Urban Institute, and Huma Zarif, former staff attorney at Northwest Health Law Advocates, will join Wartell to address the ways federal policies and practices could improve immigrant families’ access to safety net and relief programs, fostering well-being and boosting the economy.

Speakers

• Hamutal Bernstein, Principal Research Associate, Urban Institute @hamutalb1
• Judy Chu, Congresswoman, 27th District of California @RepJudyChu
• Sarah Rosen Wartell, President, Urban Institute @swartell
• Huma Zarif, former Staff Attorney, Northwest Health Law Advocates

Materials

• Immigrant Families Continued Avoiding the Safety Net during the COVID-19 Crisis
• Understanding the Consequences of Current Immigration Policy
• Supporting Immigrant Families in Houston
• Supporting Immigrant Families in Las Vegas
• One in Five Adults in Immigrant Families with Children Reported Chilling Effects on Public Benefit Receipt in 2019
• Amid Confusion over the Public Charge Rule, Immigrant Families Continued Avoiding Public Benefits in 2019
• One in Seven Adults in Immigrant Families Reported Avoiding Public Benefit Programs in 2018

EVIDENCE TO ACTION SERIES

The Evidence to Action conversation series elevates the voices of leaders and changemakers responding to, recovering from, and building resilience during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Urban Institute was built for this moment. We answer tough questions with unbiased, rigorous research and evidence-based solutions. For 50 years, we have studied what it takes to strengthen social safety net programs, dismantle structural racism, protect workers and families, and build community resilience. Using advanced analytics, data science, technology, and decades of expertise, we equip changemakers with the facts and insights they need to accelerate solutions.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event.