Trump's swing at green card holders on public benefits is facing a slew of lawsuits
NYC and San Francisco are suing the Trump administration over a policy that would limit green cards for immigrants deemed likely to use safety nets.
The Trump administration is facing multiple lawsuits from states and cities over a proposed policy that could deny green cards to immigrants who utilize public benefits. New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle, along with several states, are challenging the policy in court. The policy, set to take effect on September 18, would enable federal officers to assess whether an applicant has used or is likely to use public benefits during the green card application process.
The legal challenges argue that the policy overturns established legal principles on social safety nets and induces fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities. While most public benefit eligibility is based on household income and size, many immigrants do not qualify for these programs, and undocumented individuals are generally ineligible.
Even after obtaining a green card, immigrants may have to wait years before they are permitted to access benefits. Advocates express concern that such a policy could dissuade immigrant families with U.S.-born children from seeking assistance with food or healthcare. This is not the administration's first attempt to restrict immigration avenues; last year, an appeals court blocked a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, a requirement proposed by the White House.
Written by urgent.news from Business Insider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
