Millions may lose housing aid under Trump plan

ProPublica reports that approximately 4 million individuals may lose federal housing assistance due to new plans by the Trump administration. Drafts of two unpublished rules indicate potential changes such as time limits on public housing residency, work requirements for many beneficiaries, and the potential disqualification of entire families if any member is undocumented. These proposed changes are regarded by experts and advocates as harmful, risking increased homelessness for vulnerable populations amid rising rents and impoverished living conditions.

The Trump administration previously attempted to implement similar policies, but those efforts stalled. The latest drafts, however, represent renewed ambitions for fundamental changes in housing programs that support millions of low-income residents, including elderly and disabled individuals. Critics warn that these reforms would erode crucial safety nets, driving families out of their homes, disrupting children’s education, and exacerbating job loss.

The proposed regulations would empower local housing authorities to impose work requirements and time limits, although they stop short of mandating such measures. Critics argue this approach is merely a way to strip benefits from families, with experts estimating that such changes could impact millions. Many affected households, often already working but earning low wages, might find themselves ineligible for assistance.

One notable proposal targets mixed-status families—those containing both eligible and ineligible members based on immigration status. Currently, these families can receive prorated assistance; the new rule would eliminate this option, making such households ineligible altogether and requiring U.S. citizens to prove their citizenship with documentation. The implications of this change could be profound; an estimated 20,000 mixed-status families could lose housing assistance, many of whom include children living in poverty.

The proposed regulations would not only disrupt assistance for vulnerable families but could also burden local public housing authorities financially as they adjust to increased costs associated with administering these new requirements. If these proposals are published, they will undergo public comment, which can lead to further modifications or delays in implementation. However, the timeline for such publication remains uncertain, raising concerns about the effects of these proposed changes on families in need.