A new rule proposed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development would prevent people who are in the country illegally from receiving federal housing aid. The department estimates 25,000 families would be targeted due to their “mixed” status, leaving as many as 55,000 children homeless.

"HUD expects that fear of the family being separated would lead to prompt evacuation by most mixed households, whether that fear is justified," the agency said in a statement.

Critics of the proposal, however, are floored the proposal is moving forward given the repercussions it would have.

“The cruelty of Secretary Carson’s proposal is breathtaking,” said Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, in a statement. “The harm it would inflict on children, families, and communities is severe.”

Yentel went on to compare the proposal to the family separation that took place at the border.

“There would be zero benefit to families on waiting lists,” Yentel said. “This proposal is another in a long line of attempts by the [Trump] administration to instill fear in immigrants throughout the country.”

The administration is continuing to accept public comment on the proposed rule until July 9.

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