The Trump Administration has introduced numerous policies designed to harm immigrant families and discourage them from participating in programs they qualify for. Such harmful policies include the rescission of protected areas policies, an increased presence of immigration enforcement, and the finalization of a new public charge rule.
The new public charge rule, which went into effect on September 18, 2026, expands the scope of the public charge test, allowing immigration officials broad discretion to deny changes in legal status to certain immigrants based on use of public benefit programs.
For the first time in the program’s history, the new rule allows immigration officials to consider WIC participation when assessing public charge. While most immigrants are not subject to the public charge test, this new rule is expected to have a drastic chilling effect on WIC families.
We invite WIC providers and immigrant communities to utilize the resources listed below to learn more about the new public charge rule and other immigration policies impacting WIC families.
Public Charge
Public Charge and WIC Fact Sheets in English, Arabic, Haitian Creole, and Spanish (National WIC Association)
Public Charge and WIC: What You Need to Know (Center on Budget & Policy Priorities)
Public Charge: Does this Apply to Me? (Protecting Immigrant Families Coalition)
Public Charge Regulation Toolkit (Protecting Immigrant Families Coalition)
Immigration Enforcement and Creating Protected Areas
Guidance for WIC Staff on Immigration & Customs Enforcement (National WIC Association)
Factsheet: Trump’s Rescission of Protected Areas Policies Undermines Safety for All (National Immigration Law Center)
A Guide to Creating “Safe Space” Policies for Early Childhood Programs (Center for Law and Social Policy)
Immigration Attorney Resources
Participants may have questions about immigration policy that go beyond the scope of WIC. Clinic staff may wish to encourage participants to reach out to an immigration lawyer. You can find a lawyer in your area at:
Mental Health Resources
Staying Whole: A Love Letter to Immigrant Parents (Children Thrive Action Network)
Black Immigrant Wellness Guide (UndocuBlack)
Supporting Young Children Through Uncertain Times: Resources for Stress and Trauma (Zero to Three)
Know Your Rights and Family Preparation
Deportation Preparation Manual for Immigrant Families (Appleseed Network)
Know Your Rights: Plan Ahead to Protect Your Family in the Event of Deportation (National Immigrant Justice Center)
Emergency Preparedness for Immigrant Families: A 50 State Resource (CLINIC)
Research and Studies
“Even the Playground Isn’t Safe: How Immigration Policies are Harming Our Youngest Children” (2026).
“Caregiving in Crisis: How Immigration Policies Are Undermining Early Care and Education Programs” (2026).
“Pediatricians’ Perceptions Regarding Immigrant Families Accessing Services: A National Survey” (2026).