FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Media Relations
Statement from APHA Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, MD
APHA applauds President Biden’s executive actions today that will help expedite the reunification of families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border and begin the process of rescinding the damaging public charge rule issued by the previous administration.
The horrific separation of more than 5,000 immigrant and refugee children from their parents created a public health crisis that has the potential to negatively affect these children and their families for generations to come.
We also welcome the administration’s action to review the egregious public charge rule, which is preventing law-abiding immigrants from accessing the health, nutrition and housing services they need and are entitled to receive. Beginning the work to overturn this ill-conceived rule now is especially critical as we continue our efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure all individuals are seeking care, treatment and preventive services.
We are pleased that President Biden has taken swift action to prioritize these issues and address these clear violations of fundamental human rights.
###
The American Public Health Association champions the health of all people and all communities. We are the only organization that combines a nearly 150-year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.