HUD Proposes Rule to Limit Public Housing to Citizens

The proposed rule would require all residents in HUD-funded housing to show proof of citizenship or eligible status.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has proposed a new rule that would limit public housing and other HUD-related housing assistance to citizens and eligible noncitizens. The rule would require all residents, including those 62 and older who previously only had to show proof of age, to provide documentation of their citizenship or immigration status. Housing advocates warn the measure could lead to tens of thousands of people being evicted from their homes.

Why it matters

The proposed rule is part of the government's broader crackdown on immigration and is seen as targeting mixed-status families where some household members are eligible for assistance while others are not. Critics argue the move would force many low-income families to choose between losing their homes or separating their families.

The details

The rule, published in the Federal Register, calls for limiting funding for those in public housing and other HUD-related housing to citizens and eligible noncitizens. It would effectively bar mixed-status families from receiving housing assistance. HUD Secretary Scott Turner said the measure is aimed at preventing "illegal aliens, ineligibles, and fraudsters" from "gaming the system." Housing advocates argue the rule could impact millions of people who lack easy access to documentation proving their citizenship.

  • The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on February 19, 2026.
  • HUD did not specify how long it may take before the rule takes effect.

The players

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

The federal agency that oversees public housing and other housing assistance programs.

Scott Turner

The current Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Shamus Roller

The executive director of the National Housing Law Project, a housing advocacy organization.

Sonya Acosta

A senior policy analyst with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning think tank.

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What they’re saying

“Under President Trump's leadership, the days of illegal aliens, ineligibles, and fraudsters gaming the system and riding the coattails of American taxpayers are over. HUD's proposed rule will guarantee that all residents in HUD-funded housing are eligible tenants. We have zero tolerance for pushing aside hardworking U.S. citizens while enabling others to exploit decades-old loopholes.”

— Scott Turner, HUD Secretary (latimes.com)

“Our country can ensure that every one of us, no matter where we come from or what language we speak, has a safe home. Instead, Trump is trying to evict immigrant families, citizen and non-citizen, from HUD housing.”

— Shamus Roller, Executive Director, National Housing Law Project (latimes.com)

“Everyone deserves an affordable home, including our neighbors, friends, and coworkers who are immigrants. This rule would force 20,000 families with mixed immigration statuses to make the agonizing choice between losing the assistance that helps them pay rent every month or separating their family. People without a documented immigration status have never been eligible for rental assistance.”

— Sonya Acosta, Senior Policy Analyst, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (latimes.com)

What’s next

The proposed rule will be made official when it's published in the Federal Register on February 19, 2026. HUD did not specify how long it may take before the rule takes effect.

The takeaway

The proposed HUD rule is the latest in a series of immigration-related policies aimed at restricting access to public housing and other government assistance programs. While supporters argue it will prevent fraud, critics warn it could force thousands of low-income families to choose between losing their homes or separating their families.