HUD Proposes Rule to Limit Public Housing to Citizens

Advocates fear the move could lead to tens of thousands of people being evicted from HUD-funded housing.

Published on Feb. 27, 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 to show proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status, including those 62 and older who were previously exempt. Housing advocates warn the move could force up to 20,000 families or 80,000 people to lose their housing assistance.

Why it matters

The proposed HUD rule is part of the government's broader immigration crackdown and aims to bar mixed-status families, where some household members are eligible for assistance while others are not. Critics argue the measure would unfairly target immigrant communities and force many low-income families to choose between losing their homes or separating their families.

The details

The new HUD rule, if implemented, would effectively bar mixed-status families from receiving public housing assistance. It would require all residents, including those 62 and older who were previously exempt, to provide proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status. Housing advocates estimate the change could lead to up to 20,000 families or 80,000 people losing their housing assistance.

  • The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on February 20, 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 responsible for national housing policy and fair housing laws.

Scott Turner

HUD Secretary under the Trump administration, who stated the proposed rule would "guarantee that all residents in HUD-funded housing are eligible tenants."

Shamus Roller

Executive director of the National Housing Law Project, who criticized the proposed rule as trying to "evict immigrant families, citizen and non-citizen, from HUD housing."

Sonya Acosta

Senior policy analyst with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, who warned the rule would force families to make "the agonizing choice between losing the assistance that helps them pay rent every month or separating their family."

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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 (ksgf.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 (ksgf.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 (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The proposed HUD rule will be officially published in the Federal Register on February 20, 2026, but it is unclear how long it may take before the rule takes effect.

The takeaway

The HUD proposal to limit public housing assistance to citizens and eligible noncitizens is part of the broader immigration crackdown under the Trump administration. Critics argue the rule would unfairly target immigrant communities and force low-income families to choose between losing their homes or separating their families.