Mon Apr 07 11:40:00 UTC 2025: ## HUD and DHS Partner to Share Data on Undocumented Immigrants in Public Housing, Sparking Concerns

**New York, NY** – A new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is raising concerns among immigrant advocates and local housing officials in New York City. The agreement, dubbed “American Housing Programs for American Citizens,” aims to share data on undocumented immigrants living in federally subsidized housing.

While HUD claims the MOU will ensure only eligible individuals receive assistance, critics argue it is a thinly veiled attempt to target immigrant families and potentially lead to evictions. Undocumented immigrants are already ineligible for direct federal housing subsidies; however, they can reside in households with eligible members, with the subsidy amount adjusted accordingly.

Advocates like the Alliance for Housing Justice contend that the MOU misrepresents current practices and is driven by surveillance and fear-mongering rather than genuine concerns about program integrity. They point out that existing HUD regulations already restrict eligibility and require reporting of citizenship status.

The impact on New York City remains unclear. While the NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) states it’s not a party to the MOU, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) acknowledges its involvement. The state’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) has not yet clarified its position. The city’s sanctuary laws, which limit information sharing with federal immigration authorities, could also play a significant role, though the extent of their influence is unknown.

HUD’s 2019 analysis estimated that approximately 25,000 households nationwide had at least one ineligible member, with a significant concentration in California, Texas, and New York. In NYC, HPD provides rental vouchers to around 42,000 households, with approximately 350 having mixed immigration statuses.

The MOU dedicates only one full-time HUD employee to this data-sharing initiative. Local agencies report no direct contact from HUD regarding the MOU’s implementation. Advocates urge residents of HUD-subsidized housing to consult with immigration attorneys for personalized guidance. The long-term implications of the MOU and its potential impact on vulnerable families remain uncertain.

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