For Immediate Release: February 21, 2025
Contact: Lasamee Kettavong media@napawf.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Trump’s latest executive order directs federal agencies to further marginalize immigrant families and communities by identifying and restricting access to health and social services programs for which undocumented individuals are eligible. This is a blatant attempt to stoke fear, spread misinformation about federal spending, and scapegoat immigrant families. 

Undocumented immigrants are already ineligible for most federally funded programs. This executive order does not change that fact–it merely adds unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, creating confusion and fear that will cost lives. It also burdens federal, state, and local agencies already stretched thin, forcing them to prioritize cruelty over care. Depending on how agencies interpret the order, immigrants could face new eligibility requirements or even unlawful restrictions on emergency aid and public health services–despite legal protections ensuring access to lifesaving care.

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) ensures essential services that protect life and safety for all. These include emergency shelter, transitional housing, food and health assistance, crisis counseling, and intervention programs. Public benefits like immunizations, disease testing, and urgent medical care keep all communities safe, regardless of immigration status.

Sung Yeon Choimorrow, Executive Director of NAPAWF, issued the following statement: 

“This executive order is yet another cruel, senseless attack on immigrant families, many of which are mixed immigration status and intergenerational households. It does nothing but create fear, deter people from seeking lifesaving care, and undermine international human rights standards. The government should be strengthening aid and public health—not dismantling the systems designed to protect us all. 

“We refuse to let our communities suffer in silence. AAPI undocumented women, children, and gender-expansive people deserve dignity, safety, and access to care. NAPAWF is committed to educating, mobilizing, and fighting back. We urge our immigrant communities and allies to stay informed, seek support, and join the fight against policies designed to strip us of our humanity.” 

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The National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) is the only multi-issue, progressive, community organizing and policy advocacy organization for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women and girls in the U.S. NAPAWF’s mission is to build collective power so that all AAPI women and girls can have full agency over our lives, our families, and our communities.