They propose a rule that could expel immigrants from public housing in the U.S.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) of the United States is seeking to restrict access to federally funded housing programs solely to U.S. citizens and immigrants with what is considered "eligible" immigration status, as reported this Thursday by the Telemundo network.

The government is promoting a new regulation that could force thousands of immigrants to leave subsidized public housing, even in cases where they live with family members who are citizens or legal residents.

What would change with this regulation?

Currently, there are families referred to as "mixed-status," where some members are citizens or legal residents, while others lack legal documentation. In many cases, these families may receive partial assistance to cover housing costs.

With the new rule, that could come to an end.

The regulation would require that all individuals living in public housing provide proof of citizenship or valid immigration status, without exceptions.

Even seniors over the age of 62 would need to prove their status, whereas before it was only necessary to verify their age.

Thousands of families could lose their home

Human rights advocacy organizations warned that the measure could lead to mass evictions.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimated that up to 20,000 families, or about 80,000 people, could lose assistance if the rule goes into effect.

The HUD defends the measure

The HUD Secretary, Scott Turner, stated that the intention is to prevent "non-eligible" individuals from benefiting from public resources. "The days are over when illegal immigrants took advantage of the system," he affirmed in a statement quoted by Telemundo.

The proposal is part of the stricter immigration policy promoted by Donald Trump during his new term and revisits a similar initiative that had been attempted during his first administration.

When would it come into effect?

The rule will be officially published this Friday in the Federal Register, although HUD has not clarified how long it will take to be implemented.

Meanwhile, legal and community organizations anticipate a legal battle, warning that the measure could leave thousands of vulnerable families without a place to live.