Washington: The Trump administration is preparing to reintroduce the controversial “public charge” rule, under which immigrants who rely on certain government assistance programmes could be denied permanent residency (green cards) in the United States.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the rule has been filed with the Federal Register and is scheduled for official publication on July 20. The move could significantly impact thousands of immigrants seeking lawful permanent residency in the US.
Under the policy, immigration authorities may consider an applicant’s use of public benefits while deciding green card applications. Programmes that could come under scrutiny include food stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, housing vouchers and other government welfare schemes.
The Trump administration argues that the policy is intended to ensure that immigrants coming to the United States are financially self-sufficient and do not become a burden on taxpayers. Officials say the measure is aimed at protecting public funds by encouraging self-reliance among new immigrants.
However, immigrant rights organisations have strongly criticised the decision, warning that it could discourage vulnerable families from accessing essential healthcare, nutrition and housing assistance out of fear that doing so may jeopardise their immigration status. Advocacy groups say the policy could lead to increased poverty, poor health outcomes and greater hardship for low-income immigrant communities.
The proposed rule is expected to face legal and political challenges, as similar versions of the policy have previously been the subject of court battles and nationwide debate over US immigration policy.
