CSS Report: Strong Public Support for Immigrant Families Living in Subsidized Housing

Federal policies restricting housing for mixed-status families at odds with polling data

A new Community Service Society of New York (CSS) report documenting the critical role housing plays in creating stable and diverse communities in the state and across the country found that a majority of New Yorkers  – including 70 percent of Republicans – support allowing mixed-status families to live together in subsidized housing.

The issue of whether mixed-status families – households with both eligible and ineligible immigration statuses – should be able to live in federally subsidized housing comes at a time when New York is facing a severe shortage of affordable housing, especially for low-income families. It also underscores the stark differences in federal and local policy priorities with the Mamdani Administration pledging to expand housing opportunities for residents and the Trump Administration slashing federal housing aid and placing restrictions on who can live in subsidized housing.  

The report, “What New Yorkers Want: Housing Stability, Diverse Communities, and Support for Immigrant Families,” which is based on findings from CSS’s 2025 Annual Survey of Housing and Economic Security highlights how federal subsidies provide physical and emotional stability for New Yorkers and measures the impact housing affordability is having on U.S. families. It warns that the 17 percent cut to the Public Housing Operating Fund included in the FY26 federal budget, combined with new HUD directives enforcing strict citizenship verifications and the elimination of mixed immigration status households, will force many families to choose between eviction and separation.

 Key Findings from the report include:

• Seventy-two (72) percent of New Yorkers statewide – and 70 percent of Republicans – want U.S. citizens to continue to receive rental assistance even if they are in mixed-status families;
• Approximately 60 percent of Americans and 67 percent of New Yorkers believe it is important to live in a community with diverse backgrounds.
• Thirty-four (34) percent of New York households with housing subsidies reported reduced stress and anxiety because of the housing programs;
• Thirty-five (35) percent credit subsidized housing with allowing them to stay in their homes longer;
• Thirty-seven (37) percent of residents nationwide reported needing assistance to pay for rent, mortgage, or utilities, illustrating a widespread affordability crisis. 

“Anti-immigrant policies have unfortunately been a hallmark of this Administration, and it is reflected in cruel and punitive federal policies that treat low-income and immigrant families as undeserving of things like safe and decent housing,” said David R. Jones, CSS President and CEO. “This report makes clear that tenants in New York and across the nation are hurting because of housing costs, and by large numbers, don’t want to see immigrant families targeted for disparate treatment.”

 A Risk of Losing Housing Assistance Entirely

 Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act restricts federal housing aid to U.S. citizens and certain eligible noncitizens. Yet, historically mixed-status families could still receive prorated assistance – subsidy only for eligible family members. The rent share paid by mixed use families typically exceed 30 percent of their household income (the standard used by PHAs to ensure that low-income families would not be overburdened by housing costs).  New enforcement measures proposed by the Trump Administration would eliminate or sharply limit this proration, making entire households ineligible unless every member qualifies. Loss of subsidies would likely lead to evictions, overcrowding, or homelessness, especially given limited housing alternatives.

 “If enacted, the proposed rule changes issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development will intentionally and cruelly manufacture mass displacement and destabilize thousands of families and neighborhoods across the five boroughs,” said Iziah Thompson CSS senior policy analyst. “Rather than addressing the housing affordability crisis, these proposals would deepen it.”

 The report makes the following recommendations:

• Reverse the 17 percent operating cut: Restore the baseline funding that provides stability for over a quarter of the public housing resident population.
• Push back on any rule change to Section 214 that harms immigrant families: Align federal policy with the clear majority—72 percent—of New Yorkers who support allowing mixed-status families to live together in federally subsidized housing.
• Oppose the work requirements and time limit for federal housing programs: Agencies are having trouble administering federal programs, and the U.S. housing crisis is making an affordable life difficult. Oppose policies that add to these problems and increase homelessness.
• Maintain Section 8 momentum: Continue the robust funding for renewals that has garnered bipartisan support.
• Public Housing Agencies must take steps to ensure the safety and stability of all residents while following the law.

 The 2025 Annual Survey of Housing and Economic Security surveyed 4,000 adults statewide between September 9 and October 2, 2025. Surveys were offered in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Haitian Creole via online panels, phone, and text recruitment. Results were weighted by region to reflect the demographic composition of New York State adults. The margin of error is +/- 1.55% at the 95% confidence level.  A survey of 1,000 adults nationwide was fielded September 9-28, 2025 with a margin of error of +/- 3.1% at the 95% confidence level. The survey was conducted online of a sample of American adults with quotas in place to ensure that the survey was reflective of the population among demographics such as age, race/ethnicity, gender, region, and household income.

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 The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) has worked with and for New Yorkers since 1843 to promote economic opportunity and champion an equitable city and state. We power change through a strategic combination of research, services, and advocacy to make New York more livable for people facing economic insecurity. By expanding access to health care, affordable housing, employment opportunities, debt assistance, and more, we make a tangible difference in the lives of millions. Join us at www.cssny.org. 

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