The Trump administration has put forth a new proposal from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that seeks to tighten regulations surrounding public housing eligibility for immigrants. Under current regulations established during President Bill Clinton’s tenure, a provision called the 'do not contend' allows individuals living with public housing beneficiaries to avoid contention over their immigration status, thus enabling certain undocumented immigrants to benefit from public housing through prorated assistance. This existing rule has drawn criticism for its perceived leniency towards illegal immigrants residing in subsidized housing.

The newly proposed rule, which would end this loophole, requires every member of a public housing household to provide proof of citizenship or eligibility as a noncitizen to qualify for housing assistance. This change represents a significant shift in housing policy aimed at reducing the number of undocumented immigrants benefiting from taxpayer-funded housing programs. Supporters of this proposal argue that it reinforces the integrity of public housing programs and ensures that assistance is directed only to eligible individuals, while opponents contend that it could lead to housing insecurity for families who may have mixed immigration status.

If implemented, the rule could have profound implications for thousands of families currently living in public housing. Critics fear that the change could exacerbate homelessness and housing instability for vulnerable populations, particularly those with undocumented members. By pressuring mixed-status families to either verify their immigration status or face eviction, the proposed rule aligns with broader anti-immigration policies that have characterized the Trump administration's approach. It remains to be seen how public response and legal challenges might shape the final version of this controversial housing policy change.