Advocating for Dignity: LSS-SW Prepares for a Challenging 2026
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest Advocacy Updates
State Advocacy-We continue to meet with State legislators ahead of the 2026 legislative session. We have been told numerous times that the budget will be very tight this year for the State. There will be a strong need for advocacy to ensure that basic needs are met for Arizonans as the legislature and the Governor work to decide what will be funded.
Federal Advocacy-LSS-SW recently submitted a statement opposing changes to the public charge test. The below information about the public charge test and proposed changes are from Justice in Aging (Home - Justice in Aging):
“Public Charge” Test-Under federal law, the “public charge” test applies to certain foreign-born people who are entering the U.S. or attempting to gain lawful permanent resident status (LPR or green card), and it aims to identify people who are likely to rely on government support as their main source of support in the future.
What the New Proposed Rule Does-On November 17, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed regulation which will rescind the 2022 rule that interpreted “public charge” narrowly, aiming to mitigate unnecessary harm to immigrant communities.
While the proposed rule does not replace the Biden-era rule, it does open the door for immigration officials to make arbitrary and biased decisions, such as speculating about a person’s future use of benefits.
It also indicates that benefits can refer to any means-tested program and could put immigrants at risk if they apply or receive benefits on behalf of a family member.
The proposed rule adds to the many barriers older immigrants already face in accessing necessary support and creates fear that will deter them from accessing benefits to which they are entitled.
It also hurts the direct care workforce who provide necessary care to older adults and people with disabilities. One in three workers who provide care at home are immigrants and, due to the low pay, often rely on Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs to meet their basic needs."
2026 Advocacy
As we look to the new year, we know we have our work cut out for us. We look to each other to encourage, support and uplift. Our mission remains what it always has been, preserving the dignity and respect of all individuals, working to stabilize, uplift and amplify the voices of those who often go unheard. We believe in this work, and we know you do too. That is why we continue to look with hope for a brighter tomorrow. We refuse to give up. We stand with one another and with all our neighbors.
Thank you for the light you brought and the hope you kept burning in 2025. As this year comes to a close, we wish you peaceful, joyful and hope filled moments in the final days of 2025, and the courage to raise your voices with us again in 2026.
