372 Groups, 20 States Hit HHS Rule Limiting Immigrants' Access To Head Start, Health Services

The Trump administration expanded restrictions on federally funded health and human service programs to limit access for many lawfully present immigrants, adding Head Start, parts of community health center funding, mental health and addiction services, and other supports. A coalition of 372 organizations filed formal comments opposing the rule, warning it will harm U.S.-citizen children in immigrant families, chill participation in vital programs, and turn providers into immigration checkpoints. Multiple states and advocacy groups have filed lawsuits challenging the policy and criticizing rushed implementation with limited guidance.