The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) updated its interpretation of immigration verification requirements on Wednesday, implementing changes that immigrant advocates say “effectively deny” access to housing programs to those who are legally in the country. The measure has generated concern among civil rights organizations. The Coalition to Protect Immigrant Families (PIF), which brings together more than 800 organizations nationwide, warned that the effects of HUD's new interpretation could extend far beyond the immigrants directly affected. The coalition emphasized that the measure could indirectly impact mixed-status families with both citizen and non-citizen members. During his 2024 campaign, President Donald Trump championed housing policies that prioritize U.S. citizens and restrict federal resources for undocumented immigrants. His proposals, which aim to make homeownership easier for Americans, have been criticized by immigrant advocates, who say they will worsen the country's housing shortage. The HUD notice, published in the Federal Register on November 26, redefines immigration eligibility requirements for housing grant and disaster relief programs under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). The measure aims to limit federal benefits to qualified aliens only. Impact on Federal Housing and Assistance Programs: Under the reinterpretation, aliens who are not considered "qualified aliens" cannot receive any federal public benefits, including TPS holders, DACA recipients, and nonimmigrants. Qualified aliens include permanent residents, asylees, and refugees. This will directly affect multiple housing and community development programs across the country.The affected programs include community planning and development grants, such as emergency solutions and Continuity of Care (CoC). It also impacts state and local programs, including HOGAR, CDBG, HOPWA, ESG, and PRO Vivienda, as well as grants to nonprofit organizations, including SHOP and PRICE, according to the Feldesman law firm. The PIF Coalition warned that the measure will have far-reaching consequences. Immigrant families often combine citizen, legal resident, and undocumented members, so eligibility concerns could discourage qualified individuals from seeking federal housing assistance, fearing repercussions for their family members. The group indicated that immigrant families represent approximately 28 percent of the U.S. population, and that the eligibility change could affect every community in the country. PIF argued that HUD's reinterpretation reinforces barriers to equitable access to housing and financial assistance, widening the social exclusion of vulnerable groups. HUD has not yet publicly responded to requests for comment. Meanwhile, immigrant advocates and lawmakers warn that the policy could increase housing insecurity and hinder access to essential programs, solidifying the trend toward federal housing restrictions for legal and unskilled immigrants.consolidating the trend towards a federal housing restriction for legal and unskilled immigrants.