Menendez Leads 48 House Democrats in Denouncing Trump Administration’s Weaponization of HUD Programs to Target Immigrant, Mixed-Status Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Rob Menendez led 48 House Democrats in denouncing the Trump Administration's weaponization of programs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") to target immigrant and mixed-status families across the United States. In a letter sent today to HUD Secretary Scott Turner, the Representatives demanded that the Trump Administration reverse course on dangerous new policies that will harm families, deter eligible individuals from accessing HUD programs, and use housing data to support the Trump Administration's unprecedented immigration enforcement efforts.

"The Trump Administration has proven once again that they will stop at nothing to inflict fear upon our immigrant neighbors and their loved ones," said Congressman Rob Menendez. "These new HUD policies do nothing to address our national housing crisis. Instead, they will worsen housing instability for some of our most vulnerable community members and diminish families' access to safe, healthy, and affordable homes. My colleagues and I are demanding that Secretary Turner reverse course and avoid this unnecessary harm."

The letter, sent today, demands that Secretary Turner reverse new policies that:

• Jeopardize privacy and worsen fear of immigration enforcementby entering into a data sharing agreement with the Department of Homeland Security;

• Create barriers to families' access to housing assistance bymandating that federal agencies prevent people who lack eligible immigration status from accessing programs;

• Exclude immigrants other than legal permanent residents from mortgage assistance by eliminating their eligibility to receive Federal Housing Administration-backed loans; and

• Undermine tenant rights and fair housing programs that protect individuals by cutting staffing and funding at the Office of Fair and Equal Housing Opportunity.

For full text of the letter, click here.

Congressman Menendez is the Vice Chair of Policy for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in the 119^th Congress.