Update on Proposed Federal Rule Regarding Immigration Status

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS: PROPOSED HUD RULE REGARDING "MIXED-STATUS FAMILIES"

HACLA is committed to keeping residents informed about important federal policy developments that may affect our communities. Recently, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a proposed rule related to "Mixed-Status Families" in public housing. This document provides an overview of the proposed changes, explains what they could mean for residents, and outlines the steps HACLA is taking to support and inform families throughout this process.

What is the current HUD policy on mixed status families?
HUD currently allows mixed-status families (families where some family members have eligible immigration status, some without) to live in public housing. The rental assistance for mixed-status families is "prorated," meaning only eligible members receive assistance.

What is happening with this proposed rule and what is it about?
On February 20, 2026, HUD shared a proposed rule about housing assistance to mixed-status families. This is only a proposal. Nothing is changing right now. Federal law prevents housing subsidy for individuals who are not U.S. citizens or certain eligible non-citizens. Households that have members with eligible and non-eligible status ("mixed-status" families) pay a higher prorated rent so that the non-eligible individual does not receive any housing subsidy. The proposed rule would require ALL public housing tenants to reverify their citizenship and/or immigration status as well as limit the ability for mixed-status families to remain in a public housing unit paying prorated rent.

What action is HACLA taking?
HACLA is carefully reviewing the proposed rule. Once we have completed our analysis of the proposed rule and its impact, we will provide information to residents, including on how to submit comments to HUD, as well as present information to the Resident Advisory Councils (RACs) for them to share with residents of their developments. HACLA will also be working with industry groups to communicate our concerns and will send official comments to HUD by the 60-day comment period April 21, 2026, deadline.

If I am a mixed-status family, what should I do?
This is only a proposed rule. There is currently nothing that you need to do.
Following the end of the 60-day comment period, HUD will take additional time to review comments and make any necessary changes prior to being able to release the final rule. This takes some time. Once finalized, there will
be an implementation timeline before the rule becomes effective. There is also a possibility that implementation could face legal challenges which could delay any final change. Please contact your management office if you have any questions or our partner agencies below for resources and support.

How do I share a comment?
Please contact your management office if you need any assistance. Online: Go to www.regulations.gov. Type FR-6524-P-01 in the search box. Follow the steps to submit your comment.

By Mail: Regulations Division Office of General Counsel, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th
Street SW, Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410-0500. Write this on your mailed comment: Docket No. FR-6524-P-01 "Housing and Community Development Act of 1980: Verification of Eligible Status."

Where can I get legal or immigration help?
Los Angeles Unified School District:
www.lausd.org/weareone | 213-443-1300

Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights
(CHIRLA): www.chirla.org/myrights |
213-201-3797

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles:
www.lafla.org | 800-399-4529

Bet Tzedek: www.bettzedek.org |
323-939-0506

Immigrant Defenders Law Center:
ww.immdef.org | 213-634-0999

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