WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Child Care for Every Family Network is rebuking the Department of Health and Human Services’ announcement that they will re-interpret a law from nearly 30 years ago that prohibits some immigrants from accessing federal public benefits. This action changes the definition of “federal public benefit” to include Head Start and 22 other Health and Human Services programs–effectively deeming some children who are immigrants ineligible for Head Start.  

The announcement is yet another attempt by the Trump Administration to dismantle Head Start and strip power from women and people of color. Head Start has served immigrant children and children from immigrant families since its inception in 1965 and has helped millions of low-income children for success in school and in life.  

Andrea Paluso and Erica Gallegos, Co-Executive Directors of the Child Care for Every Family Network, released the following statement: 

“Barring children from Head Start based on their families’ immigration status is a blatant act of racial discrimination and a fundamental violation of human rights. It’s a deliberate, calculated attack on low-income immigrant families and their babies—some of the most vulnerable people in this country. Head Start was created to give every child a fair chance, but this policy weaponizes early education against children simply because of their immigration status. Let’s be clear: this isn’t about policy—it’s about cruelty, xenophobia, and white supremacy. The Trump Administration’s actions expose a disturbing truth: they are willing to sacrifice children’s futures to score political points by targeting immigrant families and children of color.”

Head Start originated in the summer of 1965, amidst an organized civil rights movement determined to ensure economic equality and an end to discrimination for all Americans. The program has predominantly served low-income families often left out of economic opportunity and social supports, including families of color, immigrants, and children with disabilities. 

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The Child Care for Every Family Network is the national movement and campaign to transform child care, representing 1,500+ child care providers, impacted families, state and national organizations, and organizers across the country. Learn more: childcareforeveryfamily.org.