Millions Could Lose Housing Aid Under Trump Plan
According to experts who reviewed unpublished rules obtained by ProPublica, the Trump administration's plans could lead to 4 million people losing federal housing assistance. The proposed changes would introduce work requirements for many recipients, two-year limits on living in public housing, and strip aid from entire families if one member is in the country illegally.
The first rule, titled "Strengthening Requirements for Public Housing Assistance Programs," would allow states to impose work requirements on individuals receiving federal housing assistance. This move has been long sought by conservatives who argue that able-bodied adults should be working rather than relying on government aid.
"This is a thinly veiled attempt to limit access to public housing and push low-income families into poverty," said Diane Yentel, executive director of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. "We've seen this playbook before in other areas, like food stamps and Medicaid."
The second rule, "Strengthening Requirements for Public Housing Assistance Programs: Family Composition," would strip federal housing aid from entire families if one member is in the country illegally. This provision has sparked concerns among immigration advocates who argue that it would unfairly penalize U.S.-born children and other family members.
"This policy would have devastating consequences for families who are already struggling to make ends meet," said Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center. "It's a cruel and inhumane way to address immigration issues."
The proposed rules come as the Trump administration continues its efforts to reshape the nation's housing assistance programs. The plans have been met with opposition from advocacy groups and some lawmakers who argue that they would exacerbate homelessness and poverty.
The Trump administration has not commented on the specific details of the proposals, but a White House spokesperson said in a statement: "We are committed to making sure that our housing assistance programs are effective and efficient. We will continue to work with Congress to make necessary reforms."
The proposed rules have been sent to the Office of Management and Budget for review and are expected to be published soon. If implemented, they would take effect in 2026.
Background:
Federal housing assistance programs provide critical support to millions of low-income families across the country. The programs include Section 8 vouchers, public housing units, and other forms of aid. According to experts, the proposed changes could have far-reaching consequences for individuals and families who rely on these programs.
Additional Perspectives:
Some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the proposed rules, arguing that they would unfairly target vulnerable populations. "These proposals are a step backward in our efforts to address homelessness and poverty," said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR). "We need to be working together to find solutions, not pushing people further into poverty."
Current Status:
The proposed rules have been sent to the Office of Management and Budget for review and are expected to be published soon. If implemented, they would take effect in 2026.
Next Developments:
Advocacy groups and lawmakers will continue to push back against the proposed changes, arguing that they would exacerbate homelessness and poverty. The Trump administration is likely to face intense scrutiny as it moves forward with its plans to reshape the nation's housing assistance programs.
*Reporting by Propublica.*
