Statement from NLIHC President and CEO: HUD Mixed-Status Rule Will Cost Millions to Implement, Reduce the Number of Families Served, and Possibly Keep Affordable Housing Units Vacant
Nov 11, 2026
Washington, DC - “This week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is expected to publish the final ‘mixed-status’ rule, which would require families to choose between staying together and retaining their housing assistance. NLIHC strongly opposes this rule and how it could eliminate housing assistance for approximately 80,000 individuals, including nearly 37,000 children, many of whom are eligible for HUD assistance.
The 'mixed-status' rule would require over $300 million in additional funding without serving more families and would significantly restrict low-income immigrants and their children from accessing housing resources. According to HUD's analysis:
- Costs per household would increase, and the rule could force housing providers to reduce services, potentially leaving units vacant.
- The rule would not help with the shortage of HUD-assisted units, because mixed-status families are not driving the shortage.
- The costs of documentation requirements could potentially result in denial, termination, or delay of housing assistance, and a significant proportion of these costs fall on U.S. citizens and nationals.
Under longstanding eligibility requirements, HUD already does not subsidize undocumented immigrants in public housing. The implementation of this final rule affects eligible immigrant families and all families receiving assistance under the Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing programs, putting them at increased risk of eviction and homelessness. This rule change could undermine housing stability for far too many of our neighbors. We will continue to work with our partners to oppose the 'mixed-status' rule and any efforts to reduce immigrant families’ access to decent, safe, and affordable housing.”
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