On July 2, 2019, Mayor Jim Kenney, Office of Immigrant Affairs Director Miriam Enriquez, and Office of Homeless Services Director Liz Hersh submitted comments in opposition to a new draft rule regarding immigrants and public housing.

Currently, tenants receiving housing assistance must already be authorized to live in the United States. The draft rule, however, would compel not just the person receiving the assistance to be authorized to live here but would also include any household members — including children, elders, and spouses. If adopted, the rule would force families to separate, or to stay together and face eviction and, possibly, homelessness.

The City opposes the draft rule and urges Philadelphians to offer their public comments on it before the July 9, 2019, deadline.