Despite widespread opposition from across the country, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is moving forward with a rule that would force families with mixed immigration statuses living in HUD housing to either separate or be evicted. We are saddened, but not surprised.
Tenants across our network strongly oppose this immoral rule, which is financially foolish on top of being heartless and cruel. It benefits nobody but those who wish to divide our communities and dismantle public housing. If implemented, housing authorities across the country will face additional red tape, new costs, and loss of income. It also imposes new, burdensome paperwork requirements on all federal tenants. And most critically, an estimated 80,000 people could lose their housing assistance or be evicted — including 37,000 children.
On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, HUD published the final mixed status rule. It is scheduled to go into effect on Monday, December 14, 2026.
We are working with our allies to stop this rule. It is possible the rule could be delayed from taking effect or stopped altogether. Until HUD’s final rule goes into effect, mixed status families have the same rights as they have for decades and the law stays the same.
- Mixed status families have the right to live together in HUD-assisted housing as long as one family member is a U.S. citizen or a noncitizen with eligible immigration status. Nobody has to leave, no matter what their citizenship or immigration status is.
- Family members who do not receive HUD assistance do not need to share their immigration status with HUD, the public housing authority, or the project owner. They have the right to keep their immigration status private.
We will not stand by while the Administration orchestrates a mass eviction of our immigrant neighbors. We are closely reviewing the final rule with our members and exploring all available avenues with our allies to stop its implementation. You’ll hear more from us soon.
Consult a lawyer before making a decision about whether to stay or leave or whether to share information about a family member’s immigration status. Contact Mass Union at info@massunion.org if you need help. Learn more about your legal rights at MassLegalHelp.org.
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