HACLA warns leaked HUD proposal could force verification for mixed‑status families; city readies outreach and legal challenge
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Summary
HACLA told the Housing and Homelessness Committee that a leaked, unpublished HUD rule would require verification consent from all household members and could limit eligibility for public housing and vouchers; HACLA described ongoing Know‑Your‑Rights outreach and said any final rule would include public comment and administrative hearings.
HACLA officials on Feb. 11 briefed the Los Angeles City Housing and Homelessness Committee on a leaked, unpublished U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development document that would change eligibility for families with mixed immigration status.
Margarita Lares, chief programs officer at the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), said HUD’s draft would require all household members to sign verification consent allowing HUD and Department of Homeland Security to review immigration evidence. HACLA described the draft as proposing term limits and work requirements in some versions and said some provisions in the leak would be optional for housing authorities, with specified exceptions for seniors, pregnant people, students and people with disabilities.
HACLA staff emphasized the document is a leak and not final. “It has not been published at all,” Lares told the committee, adding HACLA is tracking the proposal daily and preparing residents for possible outcomes. HACLA said participants would keep assistance in place during administrative hearings and would have opportunities for public comment if HUD issues a proposed rule.
Council members expressed concern about family separation and the prospect of short term limits that could require people to forfeit vouchers or public housing after a small number of years. HACLA said the agency had previously opposed a similar 2019 proposal that was withdrawn and expects local governments and advocacy groups to challenge a final rule if issued.
HACLA described ongoing tenant outreach called Know‑Your‑Rights sessions held through resident advisory councils, on‑site property meetings, some school venues and partnerships with local advocacy groups; the agency distributed FAQs to council districts and said it is training property staff and conducting legal clinics to prepare residents. Lares noted HACLA operates 12 public housing properties and serves roughly 1,700 mixed‑status households across public housing and Section 8 programs.
The committee asked HACLA for continued briefings and for staff to coordinate with the city on legal strategy and resident support. HACLA said it will continue outreach and provide updated guidance if HUD issues a proposed rule.