Sample Comment to Personalize

I, [Insert Your Name], oppose the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed rule change to “public charge.” The new rule would make it harder for immigrant families in New York City to put food on the table by forcing them to choose between accessing the food they need through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and having a secure future in this country. This rule will impact 75,000 New York City residents right now who qualify for SNAP, and potentially another 400,000 individuals who could be eligible for permanent residency soon and be turned down because of the change to the rule. In total, that is 475,000 New Yorkers who would either lose their SNAP benefits or their ability to live in our country.

Federal nutrition programs like SNAP were designed by Congress to help low-income families get the food and nutrition they need. This rule undermines our country’s commitment to supporting our neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet.

The new rule will also create fear and confusion that may dissuade many New Yorkers – regardless of whether they are impacted by the rule – from seeking much needed food in the first place.  As a New Yorker and supporter of City Harvest, New York City’s largest food rescue organization, I’m worried that this rule will put more of my neighbors at risk of food insecurity. I believe no New Yorker should have to choose between feeding their family and living in our city and country.

The Administration should immediately withdraw its proposal.