New Rule Could Reduce Immigrants’ Use of Long-Term Care Services

Posted on August 20, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

The National Council on Aging has denounced a new inadmissibility rule that could force immigrant seniors to choose between paying for long-term care support and losing their immigration status.  

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security published the amended rule that is set to take effect in October. The rule targets poor, legal immigrants who are seeking to become permanent U.S. residents. 

Once in effect, the rule would allow the government to base the green card decision on whether that immigrant could later be seen as a financial burden on taxpayers — meaning poor immigrants could be denied if they use government benefit programs, such as Medicaid and food stamps. 

“Immigrant seniors who have played by the rules will have to make an impossible choice between going hungry and avoiding needed long-term care support or losing their immigration status. This regulation will create a personal and moral hazard for older adults who are looking to age with their families around them,” said National Council on Aging President and Chief Executive Officer James Firman.

Firman also said one in four home care workers are immigrants and the new rule could “decimate” the support needed to care for seniors.