RRHA has received numerous communications and questions regarding recent directives from HUD mandating that Public Housing Authorities review and update the citizenship and immigration status of certain individuals participating in the Public Housing and Public Choice Voucher programs. RRHA understands that these directives may be concerning to residents and other members of the community.
Citizenship and immigration status for participants in the Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher programs is already provided to HUD as required by Federal regulations. As a result, RRHA has always collected proper documentation of eligibility. The recent HUD’s guidance requires Public Housing Authorities to review information contained in HUD’s EIV-SAVE Tenant Matching Report and address any program participants listed in that report whose citizenship or eligible immigration status needs to be confirmed by the Public Housing Authority. RRHA is being required to address these alleged discrepancies under the threat of sanctions, including the potential loss of program funding, which would impact the ability to provide services to all residents and participants. In each instance, RRHA has communicated with the participants whose names were identified by HUD and has worked with the participants to correct eligibility information or submit any required additional information.
RRHA is required to comply with HUD regulations and to submit information required by Federal law, but is also committed to assisting program participants through this process. Please contact our office if you have questions or concerns.
David Bustamante
Executive Director