A punitive new Trump policy stokes panic among immigrants — even before it's official
"What if I get deported?" asked Kim, who immigrated to the United States from Korea nearly a decade ago and has a 21-month-old child with her husband, a U.S. citizen. "My baby and my family are here. What would happen to me?"
Kim, who spoke using a pseudonym, was explaining why she has not signed up for Medi-Cal, the California Medicaid program, even though she's eligible. Her decision means she can't get a mammogram because of the expense, even though doctors recommended an annual screening.
Kim's fears aren't unusual in California's immigrant communities, even among naturalized citizens and lawful permanent residents (holders of "green cards"). The anxiety level spiked immediately after Trump was elected president on a platform including uncompromising hostility to immigrants. But over the last few months, a more specific concern has taken over, signified by a two-word shorthand: "Public charge."
The term refers to a draft proposal by the Trump administration that could deny permanent residency or even citizenship to immigrants who have accessed public assistance programs or are expected
