Attorney General Jay Jones announced on May 2 that he co-led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter opposing a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that would prevent mixed-status families from living in public housing or receiving federal housing assistance, including Housing Choice Vouchers and project-based rental aid.
The coalition argues that the proposed rule could jeopardize access to housing for many Virginia families, increase burdens on state agencies, and undermine existing state laws and programs. The issue is significant because it affects vulnerable households who rely on subsidized housing for stability.
“Every family deserves a safe place to call home. This rule would not only prevent families from accessing housing service, but it would also allow currently housed families to be evicted,” said Attorney General Jay Jones. “Virginia families deserve better, and I am proud to stand with my colleagues from across the nation in fighting back against this proposed rule.”
Currently, HUD policy allows mixed-eligibility families—households with both eligible and non-eligible members—to live together in subsidized housing by reducing the subsidy amount proportionally for those not eligible. Under the new proposal, entire households could face eviction if just one member is found ineligible due to immigration status.
Jones joined attorneys general from states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island,Vermont,and Washington as well as the District of Columbia.
The Attorney General of Virginia supports civil rights enforcement and victim assistance programs according to its official website. The office also provides legal counsel and representation to state agencies while promoting public safety and defending constitutional rights as detailed online. Miyares holds the position as the 48th Attorney General of Virginia according to official records, serving all residents across the Commonwealth as reported by the agency. The office addresses issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacy as noted on its website and offers consumer protection resources for identity theft and fraud reporting according to official information.
