Officials warn HUD guidance could bar people without immigration status from public housing, raising family separation concerns

Los Angeles City housing staff told a committee that newly disclosed guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) could limit program eligibility for household members without immigration status and, in some cases, lead to family separation.

"What this means is that one of the parents could be a citizen and the other not, or that one parent could be excluded from applying to programs," an unidentified presenter said, summarizing the HUD disclosure and stressing that the message is about program eligibility, not labeling individuals.

The presenter said HUD’s publication is an informational release and that any implementation would include a 60‑day public comment period and administrative hearings for people who would be impacted. "There will be an opportunity for administrative hearings with assistance until something definitive is determined," the presenter said.

Committee members and staff described outreach already underway with community organizers, including events organized by local advocates and leaders to inform residents about their rights and custody planning. The presenter identified community partners including CHIRLA and other advocacy groups and said sessions were held at properties, schools and legal clinics to provide assistance.

"We have given these notices for months so people can prepare and have custody plans for their children," the presenter said, adding that city staff are training assistance teams and coordinating with school districts to help families who may be directly affected.

Members voiced strong objections to any two‑year time limit or other hard residency cutoff that would strip protections quickly. The presenter said the HUD material indicated certain measures are optional for local authorities and that exceptions would likely apply for seniors, disabled residents and students. "Two years would be something we cannot accept," the presenter said.

Committee members asked for clearer legal context and how federal rules would interact with local and state laws. Staff urged residents to attend outreach sessions and said the city would continue to coordinate with community groups and legal providers. The presenter emphasized that the city will provide information but did not want to alarm residents prematurely.

Next steps: staff said the published HUD guidance will trigger a public comment window and administrative processes for affected families; the committee encouraged continued outreach, legal assistance and requested follow‑up briefings as the federal process unfolds.