Attorney General Jay Jones announced on May 2 that he has co-led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter opposing a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The rule would prevent mixed-status families from living in public housing or receiving federal housing assistance, including Housing Choice Vouchers and project-based rental assistance.
The proposed change is significant because it could lead to the eviction of entire households if just one member is found ineligible for aid due to their immigration status. This differs from current policy, which reduces subsidy amounts proportionally for non-eligible residents but allows families to remain together. According to Jones, this proposal threatens access to needed housing for Virginia families, increases burdens on state agencies, and undermines existing state laws and programs.
“Every family deserves a safe place to call home. This rule would not only prevent families from accessing housing service, but it would also allow currently housed families to be evicted,” said Attorney General Jay Jones. “Virginia families deserve better, and I am proud to stand with my colleagues from across the nation in fighting back against this proposed rule.”
Jones joined attorneys general from states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington in filing the comment letter.
The Attorney General of Virginia supports civil rights enforcement and victim assistance programs according to its official website. The office also provides legal counsel and representation to state agencies while promoting public safety and defending constitutional rights as detailed on its website. Miyares holds the position as the 48th Attorney General of Virginia according to official records, serving all residents across the Commonwealth as reported by the office.
Additionally,the Attorney General’s office addresses issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacyand offers consumer protection resources for identity theft and fraud reportingas noted by its official communications.
