Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on Apr. 24 that she has joined a group of 22 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter opposing a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The proposed rule would prevent mixed-status families—households with at least one eligible and one or more ineligible members due to immigration status—from living in public housing or receiving federal housing assistance, including Housing Choice Vouchers and project-based rental assistance.
The coalition argues that the proposal could put Michigan families at risk of losing access to basic housing, increase administrative burdens for state agencies, and conflict with existing state laws and programs.
“Stripping housing support from Michiganders is unlawful, inhumane, and abandons families when they need help the most,” said Attorney General Nessel. “This proposed rule forces residents into the impossible choice of keeping a roof over their heads by pushing their loved ones – some who have been in this country for decades – onto the streets, or forgoing their housing assistance entirely. It will only exacerbate the housing crisis and cannot be allowed to go into effect.”
Currently, HUD policy allows mixed-eligibility families to remain together in subsidized housing by reducing subsidies for those who are not eligible. Under the new proposal, however, entire households could face eviction if even one member is found ineligible due to immigration status. The proposed changes would also require additional documentation from individuals seeking aid and obligate public housing authorities as well as private landlords to report certain information about tenants’ immigration status directly to federal authorities.
According to Nessel’s office, these requirements could discourage participation in HUD programs and disproportionately affect elderly citizens, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents who may struggle with documentation demands. The letter also states that HUD’s own analysis predicts a reduction both in quantity and quality of assisted housing if the rule takes effect.
Nessel joined attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island,Vermont,V irginia,and Washington in urging withdrawal of the proposal.