US States and Cities Launch Legal Process Against Trump Administration Green Card Policy

Twenty-two states, the District of Columbia, and numerous cities have filed a lawsuit against a new Trump administration policy that allows immigration officials to deny green card applications based on the use of public assistance.

Public Assistance Restriction

The new policy allows immigration officials to deny green card applications based on an individual's use of public assistance.

Historical Background and Rule

This new regulation modifies the public charge rule, which dates back to the Immigration Act of 1882 and aims to ensure that newcomers can be self-sufficient without relying on government aid.

Previous Similar Initiatives

During Trump's first term, a similar policy was attempted, aiming to cover categories such as Medicaid, food stamps, and housing assistance, but this policy encountered legal hurdles and was reversed by the Joe Biden administration.

Scope of the New Regulation

This new amendment presents a much broader structure than the previous attempt and does not specifically state which safety nets will be taken into consideration.

Responses from States and Officials

New York Attorney General Letitia James stated that the rule would lead to families being deprived of food assistance, healthcare, and other public supports to which they are legally entitled.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that the new rule aims to drive immigrant families away from programs that have fed and kept them healthy for decades.

States and Cities Filing the Lawsuit

The lawsuit was filed by the states of New York, California, Illinois, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin, along with the District of Columbia.